Chapter 2.62
CIVIL SERVICE
Sections:
2.62.010 Adoption of civil service system.
2.62.020 Civil service commission created.
2.62.030 Membership of commission—Terms of office—Quorum.
2.62.040 Departments designated.
2.62.050 Commission chairman—Meeting—Duties.
2.62.060 Application of provisions.
2.62.010 Adoption of civil service system.
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 13 of the Washington State Session Laws for the year 1937, and subsequent amendments thereto, there is adopted for the police and fire departments of the city of Battle Ground the system commonly known as civil service, and all employment therein, advancement, demotion, discharge, and control thereof, shall be under control of and governed by rules and regulations of the civil service commission herein created. (Ord. 21-41 § 1, 2021; Ord. 354 § 2, 1979)
2.62.020 Civil service commission created.
There is created for the administration of such civil service for the police and fire department of the city of Battle Ground, a civil service commission composed of three members, whose powers and duties shall be as specified by law, including but not limited to the following:
A. The power to make suitable rules and regulations not inconsistent with provisions of law, providing in detail the manner in which examinations may be held; appointments, promotions, transfers, or any reinstatements, demotions, suspensions, and discharges shall be made; and for any other matters connected with the general subject of personnel administration in the police and fire department;
B. The power to make investigations, the power to administer oaths, subpoena, and require the attendance of witnesses, and all other investigatory powers allowed by law concerning all matters touching the enforcement and effect of the provisions of civil service law;
C. The power to hear and determine appeals or complaints regarding administrative work, allocation of positions, rejections of examinations, and any other matters that may be referred to the commission;
D. The power to hold competitive tests as provided by law and to certify those test results as provided by law when there is a vacant position to be filled. (Ord. 354 § 3, 1979)
2.62.030 Membership of commission—Terms of office—Quorum.
A. The members of the civil service commission shall serve without compensation and no person shall be appointed as a member who is not a citizen of the United States and a resident of the city of Battle Ground for at least three years immediately preceding such appointment, and an elector of Clark County. The term of the office of each commissioner shall be for a period of six years, except that the first three members of the commission shall be appointed for different terms as follows:
1. One to serve for a period of three years;
2. One to serve for a period of four years; and
3. One to serve for a period of six years.
B. Members of the commission may be removed from office for incompetency, incompatibility or dereliction of duty, or malfeasance in office, or other good cause in the manner provided for by law. Provided, however, that no member of the commission shall be removed until charges have been preferred, in writing, due notice and a full hearing had.
C. Two members of the commission shall constitute a quorum, and the votes of any two members of such commission concurring shall be sufficient for the decisions of all matters and the transaction of all business to be decided or transacted by the commission under or by virtue of the provisions of this chapter.
D. Members of the commission shall be appointed by the city manager and confirmation of said appointment or appointments of the commissioners by the council shall not be required. At the time of any appointments, not more than two commissioners shall be adhering to the same political party. (Ord. 21-41 § 1, 2021; Ord. 98-023 (part), 1998; Ord. 354 § 4, 1979)
2.62.040 Departments designated.
A. The classified civil service and provisions of this chapter under the laws of the state of Washington shall include all full-paid employees of the police department of the city of Battle Ground; provided, however, the chief of police, administrative assistant to the chief of police, and an additional number of positions depending on the total number of department personnel may be excluded from the provisions of the civil service.
B. All appointments to and promotions in these departments shall be made solely on merit, efficiency, and fitness, which shall be ascertained by open competitive examination and impartial investigation, and no person shall be reinstated in or transferred, suspended, discharged, from any such place, position, or employment contrary to the provisions of the laws of the state of Washington. (Ord. 21-41 § 1, 2021; Ord. 05-012 § 1, 2005; Ord. 354 § 5, 1979)
2.62.050 Commission chairman—Meeting—Duties.
Immediately after appointment, the commission shall organize by electing one of its members chairman, and hold regular meetings at least once each month and such additional meetings as may be required for the proper discharge of their duties, and shall proceed to make suitable rules and regulations and perform all other duties imposed by law. (Ord. 354 § 6, 1979)
2.62.060 Application of provisions.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply only to all members of the police and fire departments, respectively, who are paid regularly and fully by the city and devote their whole time to their respective positions. (Ord. 21-41 § 1, 2021; Ord. 354 § 7, 1979)