Skinner v. Civil Service Commission of the City of Medina

Summary

The Washington Supreme Court held that a valid motion for reconsideration under a civil service commission rule tolls the 30-day period for appealing a commission decision under RCW 41.12.090. The court also held that service of the notice of appeal on the Medina city clerk substantially complied with the service requirement because it was reasonably calculated to provide notice to the commission. The court affirmed the Court of Appeals and concluded that the superior court had appellate jurisdiction.

Holdings

1. A valid and timely motion for reconsideration tolls the 30-day deadline for appealing a police civil service commission decision to superior court under RCW 41.12.090, so the appeal period runs from the Commission's decision on reconsideration.
2. Service of the notice of appeal on the Medina city clerk substantially complied with the statutory and Commission service requirements because it was reasonably calculated to give the Commission actual notice of the appeal and did not prejudice the Commission.

Questions Presented

1. Whether a timely motion for reconsideration before a civil service commission tolls the 30-day period for appealing the commission's decision under RCW 41.12.090.
2. Whether serving the notice of appeal on the Medina city clerk at the address designated as the civil service commission's office substantially complied with RCW 41.12.090 and the Commission's service rules.

Disposition

affirmed