SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Amend Sections 2.282, 2.284, and 2.285 in the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 2 Civil Service Administration and pass Ordinance 9941-26 on first reading.
Body
SUMMARY:
The City has one career civil service system. The City Council adopted the first set of Civil Service Rules and Regulations on May 17, 1965. In the years that followed, the norms and practices governing City employment evolved. Following the enactment of the Florida Public Employees Relations Act in 1974, large segments of City employees exercised their right to bargain collectively, which added a layer of complexity since those employees’ terms and conditions became governed by collective bargaining agreements.
As a result of collective bargaining, bargaining unit members of the Fraternal Order of Police and International Association of Fire Fighters cannot utilize the civil service appeal procedure in Division 2 Civil Service Administration.
On October 14, 2026, the City Council approved the CBA between the City and Communications Workers of America. In that recently approved CBA, the City and CWA agreed to change the civil service procedure for classified employees in Division 2 Civil Service Administration.
Under the current process, appeals relating to employee discipline are conducted by the State of Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (“DOAH”). The hearing officer issues a recommended order composed of findings of fact, conclusions of law, and disposition to the Civil Service Board. The Civil Service Board will either adopt, reject, or modify the recommended order.
Under the new process, appeals relating to employee discipline will continue to be conducted by DOAH. However, the hearing officer will no longer issue a recommended order. Instead, the hearing officer will issue a final order composed of findings of fact, conclusions of law, and disposition.
Other changes in this Ordinance are necessary to update Division 2 Civil Service Administration with existing City practices.
The City has determined that the adoption of this Ordinance to be in the best interest of the City.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
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