City of
OLMSTED FALLS
Ohio


IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2015

Contact: Ann Marie Donegan
440.427.2345


RETIRED JUDGE DONNELLY APPOINTED TO LEAD INDEPENDENT CIVIL SERVICE REVIEW
Mayor Launches Effort to Identify Violations and Implement Lasting Reforms


OLMSTED FALLS, OH -- Mayor Ann Marie Donegan's administration announced today that retired Cuyahoga County Judge John Donnelly will lead a comprehensive, independent review of Olmsted Falls' civil service processes, polices and actions.  The announcement comes after recent revelations that important civil service documents were withheld during a controversial meeting on the hiring of a police officer.  As events unfolded, it became apparent that the policies of the City's Civil Service Commission and hiring process may have been compromised.

"This is not how things are going to work here," explained Mayor Donegan.  "We must have an open and transparent government and I am grateful that retired Judge Donnelly has accepted our request to lead this important review."

Retired Judge Donnelly will have sixty days to conduct his research and will issue his report no later than August 31, 2015.  Mayor Donegan has asked three specialists to assist the Judge, each with expertise in areas relevant to the review; including Special Deputy Sheriff and former Cleveland Police Lieutenant  Bill Traine, Olmsted Falls City Prosecutor Santo Incorvaia, and Civil Service Liaison and Council Pro Tempore Jay Linn.

The independent review will focus on three core areas (1) Civil Service Commission processes, including rules and regulations, public notice, post test notification, strengths, weaknesses and specific reforms to be implemented. (2) Civil service actions over the previous year, including but not limited to all personnel, Police, Boards, Commissions with an additional focus  on the development of the 2015 Certified Candidate list and candidate testing. (3) Identification of failures, violations, wrong doing or other actions that may have interfered with the Civil Service process and any liabilities the city may incur as a result of this activity.

"This isn't just about identifying problems.  Our residents need to know their City is here for them and I'm looking forward to implementing concrete reforms that will improve our city government," said Donegan.

The Mayor's announcement comes as the latest step in the Administration's ongoing efforts to improve all aspects of City government in the pursuit of Olmsted Excellence.


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