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Lorain Civil Service Commission approves appointments, waives testing for two hires
Summary
At its March 10 meeting, the Lorain Civil Service Commission approved the appointment of a parks laborer, established eligibility lists for assistant fire chief and firefighter, waived testing for two exceptional hires (maintenance supervisor and a part-time police officer), and certified payrolls; it set its next meeting for April 14.
The Lorain Civil Service Commission met on March 10 and approved a series of personnel actions, established eligibility lists for fire department hires and certified payrolls.
The commission voted to appoint Christopher Solima to the position of Labor 1 in the City of Lorain Public Property Department, Parks and Recreation. Mindy Scribe, parks and recreation superintendent, said the department held an open application and a January interview with five participants and that "all of us thought he had the skill set and knowledge that would be a good fit in the parks department." The appointment motion was made, seconded and carried.
In two separate votes the commission established eligibility lists for fire-department promotions and hires. The eligibility list for assistant fire chief was established following an exam given Feb. 21, 2026 (three names on the list). The firefighter eligibility list was established following a written exam given Nov. 17, 2025, and an agility exam administered Jan. 4, 2026; commissioners recorded 43 names on that list. Both motions passed without additional conditions.
The commission also approved two exceptional appointments that required waiving standard testing provisions. Commissioners voted to waive testing under Ohio Revised Code 124.3012 to appoint James Sutter as maintenance supervisor at the Black River Wastewater Treatment Plant. Alex Burkey, superintendent of Black River, said Sutter "has been doing the job at our position for the last 24 months," holds Class 3 certifications and was the unanimous recommendation of the interview panel. The waiver and the appointment were approved.
Following a second waiver of the 72-hour rule, the commission considered a request to waive testing to appoint Mark Carpenter as a part-time police officer under Ohio Revised Code 124.3082. Commissioners reviewed Carpenter’s background — including military service, prior work in juvenile detention and investigative roles culminating in his most recent position as a special agent with the Ohio Gaming Commission — and heard that he will be responsible for conducting background investigations for new hires. The motion to waive testing and appoint Carpenter passed.
On administrative business, the commission moved and approved payment of bills owed by the civil service commission and certified payrolls for the City of Lorain and the Lorain City School System, provided they conform to civil service policy and procedures. The commission set its next meeting for April 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. in Lorain City Council Chambers and adjourned at about 5:18 p.m.
Votes at a glance - Christopher Solima — appointed Labor 1, Parks & Recreation; motion passed. - Assistant fire chief eligibility list — exam 02/21/2026; list established (3 names); motion passed. - Firefighter eligibility list — written exam 11/17/2025, agility 01/04/2026; 43 names; list established. - James Sutter — exceptional appointment, maintenance supervisor, Black River WWTP; testing waived under Ohio Rev. Code 124.3012; motion passed. - Mark Carpenter — exceptional appointment, part-time police officer; testing waived under Ohio Rev. Code 124.3082; motion passed. - Bills/payrolls — payment approved and payrolls certified subject to civil service policy.
What happens next: The commission will reconvene April 14, 2026, at 5 p.m.; personnel actions take effect per municipal rules and any required onboarding steps.
