1. To make suitable rules and regulations to implement this chapter which are not inconsistent with the provisions thereof. Such rules and regulations shall provide in detail the manner in which examinations may be held, and appointments, promotions, transfers, reinstatements, demotions, suspensions and discharges shall be made and may also provide for any other matters which may be considered desirable to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The rules and regulations and any amendments thereof shall be printed, mimeographed or multigraphed for public distribution at cost. Such rules and regulations may be changed from time to time. Pending adoption of new rules under this chapter, the current civil service rules shall remain in effect to the extent not inconsistent with this chapter;

2. To ensure that all tests are practical and consist only of subjects which will fairly determine the capacity of persons examined to perform the duties of the position to which appointment is to be made, and may include tests of physical fitness and/or manual skill;

3. To ensure that the rules and regulations adopted by the commission provide for veteran’s preference credit in favor of all applicants for appointment under civil service, entitled to such credit pursuant to state law. These credits shall apply to entrance examinations only;

4. To make investigations concerning and report upon all matters touching the enforcement and effect of the provisions of this chapter, and the rules and regulations prescribed hereunder; inspect all institutions, departments, offices, places, positions and employments affected by this chapter, and ascertain whether this chapter and all such rules and regulations are being obeyed;

5. To make such investigations by the entire commission, or by a designated commissioner. Not only must these investigations be made by the commission as aforesaid, but the commission must make like investigation on petition of a citizen, duly verified stating that irregularities or abuses exist, or setting forth in concise language, in writing, the necessity for such investigation. In the course of such investigation, the commission or designated commissioner, or chief examiner, shall have the power to administer oaths, subpoena and require the attendance of witnesses and the production by them of books, papers, documents and accounts appertaining to the investigation and also to cause the deposition of witnesses residing within or without the state to be taken in the manner prescribed by law for like depositions in civil actions in the superior court; and the failure upon the part of any person so subpoenaed to comply with the provisions of this section shall be deemed a violation of this chapter and punishable as such;

6. To ensure that all hearings and investigations before the commission are governed by this chapter and by rules of practice and procedure to be adopted by the commission, and in the conduct thereof the commission shall not be bound by the technical rules of evidence. No informality in any proceedings or hearing, or in the manner of taking testimony before the commission shall invalidate any order, decision, rule or regulation made, approved or confirmed by the commission; provided, however, that no order, decision, rule or regulation made by any designated commissioner conducting any hearing or investigation alone shall be of any force or effect whatsoever unless and until concurred in by at least one of the other two commissioners;

7. To hear and determine appeals or complaints respecting any examination and such other matters as may be referred to the commission pursuant to the duties outlined in subsection (A)(1) of this section;

8. To establish and maintain in card or other suitable form a roster of employees covered by civil service;

9. To provide for, formulate and hold competitive tests to determine the relative qualifications of persons who seek employment in any class or position and as a result thereof establish eligible lists for the various classes of positions as established by the city; and to provide that employees laid off because of curtailment of expenditures, reduction in force, and for like cause other than for disciplinary reasons, head the list in the order of their seniority, to the end that they shall be the first to be re-employed;

10. When a vacant entry or lateral-entry position is to be filled, to certify to the appointing authority, on written request, the names of three persons or top 25 percent highest on the eligibility list, whichever is greater, for the class as provided in BMC 2.48.150. When a vacant promotional position is to be filled, the commission shall certify the three persons highest on the eligibility list for the class as provided in BMC 2.48.150. When more than one vacant promotional position exists in a class, the commission shall certify, from those highest on the eligibility list, three times the number of persons necessary to fill the vacant positions; and

11. To keep such records as may be necessary for the proper administration of this chapter.