Rick Akeman

Key discussions during the meeting included staff announcements regarding the transition of Historic Planner and Secretary roles between Planners Bill Harbert and Dana Reising. The commission reviewed and acted upon several new applications. Application L-1-23 for a new sign at 245 N Summit Street ("Edge 21 Apartments") was approved, confirming the sign would be mounted through mortar joints with interior lighting. Application L-2-23 concerning the rehabilitation of the loading dock at 328 Westwood to accommodate modern semi-trucks received approval, as it was pre-approved by SHPO. Application VHD-3-23 for the rehabilitation of the side entrance at 802 N Huron, involving replacing concrete steps with wood steps and adding an EPDM roof, was approved with clarification that the rehabilitation aimed for the original 1870 style. Application WHD-5-23 for a new addition at 1925 Clarendon was approved as written, specifying brick and aluminum siding matching existing materials, despite applicant requests for wood siding. Administrative approvals included a reroofing project (VHD-4-23). In reports, the Commission was advised to anticipate demolition applications in the Vistula neighborhood. Furthermore, an update was provided on mitigating measures for the Park Hotel, which includes documentation and completion of OHI forms. Inquiry was made regarding the process for Bronson Boulevard & Birckhead Place to require Certificates of Appropriateness for structural changes.

The meeting included the approval of several announcements regarding job position openings and their announcement periods. The Commission approved adding numerous candidates to various eligible lists, including Engineering Associate, Administrative Operations Officer, Construction Monitor, Maintenance Worker II, Surveyor Associate, Purchasing Analyst, Tax Auditor, and Supervisor Automotive Maintenance. Classification reports for System Specialist, Water Reclamation Maintenance Worker, and Senior Water Reclamation Maintenance Worker were approved. Discussions and decisions were held regarding the disqualification appeal for Administrative Assistant, the appeal rejection for Purchasing Analyst, and the approval of a voluntary demotion request for an Administrator to Superintendent of Maintenance. The Commission also approved clerical skills test scores for Clerk Specialist II. Informational purposes noted the closure of the continuous posting for Water Reclamation Operators. Extensions were granted for the Occupational Safety and Workers' Compensation Analyst posting and the Street Maintenance Technician posting was requested for extension.

The meeting focused on several administrative actions and personnel matters. Announcements were made regarding the posting periods for various open positions, including Rehabilitation Projects Officer and Community Development Fiscal Technician. The Commission approved additions to multiple eligible lists, such as for Traffic Signal Technician, Water Loss Equipment Technician, and Police Captain. Classification reports for several roles were approved, including Rehabilitation Projects Officer (Revise) and General Foreman -- Parks (New). Significant time was dedicated to reviewing disqualifications of eligibility for former employees for various positions, including Bridge Operator, Traffic Signal Technician, Sewer and Drainage Service Worker, and Tree Service Worker, with hearings scheduled or decisions upheld based on prior review. The Commission also addressed and ruled on appeals concerning the rejection of applications for positions such as Legal Technician and Water Treatment Maintenance Worker, granting one appeal for the latter position.

The Commission reviewed several announcements regarding job postings, including positions such as General Foreman, Engineering Technician, and Sustainability Manager, all of which were approved for announcement. Several eligible lists were updated by adding names to various classifications, including Data Communications Specialist, Engineering Associate, and Customer Service Contact Center Representative. A classification report for Heavy Equipment Operator 2 (Revise) was approved. Significant discussion involved four cases concerning the potential disqualification of former employees (Christopher Bailey, Ralph Curry, Kelvin Williams, and Matthew Riggle) from various recruitment processes due to unfavorable employment departures, resulting in scheduled hearings. Additionally, the disqualification of Matthew Riggle and Dawn Polk was confirmed, pending hearings. The Commission denied an appeal from Josh Otting regarding his rejection for Data Communication Specialist due to not meeting minimum education requirements, but granted Deymond Underwood II a chance to be heard regarding his prior disqualification. Further actions included approving a voluntary demotion for Sarah Mohamed to Clerk Specialist II, and denying late application requests from Debbie Thanasui and Michael Guerrero.

The meeting agenda included discussion and consideration of two primary applications. The first application (OWE-133-21) concerned a request to demolish the structure at 2508 Collingwood Boulevard, with staff recommending a decision after commission members toured the property to assess its architectural or historic significance and economic return. The second application (OWE-152-21) involved a request to demolish the existing garage and associated concrete at 2487 Parkwood Avenue, with staff recommending approval due to the lack of character-defining features on the garage. Additionally, the agenda listed twelve administrative approvals for routine maintenance and modifications such as installing fences, replacing roofing, and tuck pointing at various properties within the district. The commission also reviewed the 2022 application and meeting schedule.