330-2023

TO THE COUNCIL:

The Chief Human Resources Officer is pleased to recommend Richard "Dick" Schwarz for reappointment, and Mary Strayhand-Preston and Jonathan Uto for new appointments as Commissioners for the Civil Service Board (CSB).

DUTIES OF THE BOARD:

  In general, subject to rules on Hearings and Appeals, the Board shall:

• Review the suspension, demotion or discharge of a permanent employee, where the employee alleges that the discipline was for a political or religious reason, or was not made in good faith for the purpose of improving the public service.

• Review appeals of classification actions taken by the HR Director affecting an employee in the classified service, where such action is alleged to be without rational basis or contrary to law or rule or taken for a political reason.

• Review appeals of candidates for appointment or promotion to a position in the classified service, where applicant or job candidate alleges that the HR Director's decision was contrary to rules promulgated by the Director for examinations, or that the decision was contrary to law or for a political reason.

In making appointments to the Board, the Chief Human Resources Officer has tried to reflect the perspectives of labor, management, and the general public.  

• Ms. Strayhand-Preston will represent the perspective of the community. Ms. Strayhand-Preston is an excellent candidate, committed to the principles underlying Chapter 4 of the City Charter. Her prior human resources background will prove helpful during her appointment to the Board. 
   
• Mr. Uto will represent the perspective of management. Mr. Uto is an excellent candidate, committed to the principles underlying Chapter 4 of the City Charter. His prior human resources background will prove helpful during his appointment to the Board. 
   
• Mr. Schwarz will continue to reflect the perspective of labor. Mr. Schwarz is an excellent candidate, committed to public service and to the principles underlying Chapter 4 of the City Charter. He has served as a Commissioner since November 2014.

They are also residents of the City, a Charter requirement.

Biographies and Statements of Interests are included as Exhibit A.

Under the current Charter language, appointments to the Board are made by the Mayor, and confirmed by the Council. The Chief Human Resources Officer is asking that Ms. Strayhand-Preston be appointed to a one-year term, Mr. Uto be appointed to a three-year term, and Mr. Schwarz be reappointed to a three-year term, effective April 26, 2023, so that they will be ready to commence their duties as soon as reasonably possible.

As Mayor and Commissioner for the Bureau of Human Resources in the Office of Management and Finance, I request Council confirmation of the following appointments and reappointment as Commissioner for the Civil Service Board (CSB):

Respectfully submitted,

Ted Wheeler

Mayor