Alexandria City Council

Minutes of Regular Meeting of the Alexandria Civil Service Commission May 17, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.

The meeting was called to order by Ms. Connie Baker at 4:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. In attendance were Commissioners: Ms. Connie Baker, Ms. Terri Blaisdell, Mr. Michael Brewer, Mr. Donald Collins, and Mr. Charles Harvey. A quorum was present. Staff members present were: Ms. Leisa Lawson, Director of Civil Service; Ms. Mildred Price, Assistant Director of Civil Service; Ms. Toria Banks, Examination Analyst; and Ms. Kimberly Rachal, Examination Analyst. Also present were: Ms. Lisa Harris, Director of Human Resources; and Ms. Misty Antoon, Counsel for the Commission.

Ms. Baker read a statement regarding rights of the public to comment on matters on the agenda prior to action being taken on them, as required by the Louisiana Revised Statutes.

Ms. Baker presented the minutes of regular meeting held April 19, 2023 for approval. Ms. Blaisdell moved to approve the minutes as presented, and Mr . Collins seconded. On vote, the motion carried.

Ms. Baker presented the minutes of special meeting held May 10, 2023 for approval. Mr. Brewer moved to approve the minutes as presented, and Ms. Blaisdell seconded. On vote, the motion carried.

Ms. Lawson and Ms . Harris reported on filling vacant positions in the classified civil service. As of April 30, 2023, there were 67 personnel requisitions in the Civil Service Department. Civil Service received 371 applications and transmitted 24 certified eligibility lists to Human Resources during the month of April 2023 . Thirteen personnel requisitions were closed during the month of April 2023.

Ms. Harris reported 13 candidates were selected by the Mayor in April 2023, which included nine (9) new hires, three (3) promotions, and one (1) demotion . No candidates declined employment offers during the month of April 2023.

Ms. Lawson presented the Report on Special Assignments of Classified Employees . The Appointing Authority requested that three (3) special assignments be extended fo r a period of 90 days. Mr. Harvey moved to extend the special assignments as requested , and Mr. Collins seconded. On vote, the motion carried.

Ms. Harris presented the Report on the City’s Performance Evaluation System. She noted the current system is ineffective. The intent was to have employees evaluated o n their anniversary each year. She discussed evaluation systems used by Lo uisiana State Civil Service and other public sector employers. The Commission and Ms. Harris discussed efforts to improve the City’s perf ormance evaluation system in order to provide meaningful feedback to employees.