General Counsel Commission

MINUTES GENERAL COUNSEL COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 13, 2025 Present: Council Member Blackwell, Council Member Nocera, Council Member Salafia, Council Member Sweeney, and Council Member Pulino. Staff: Deputy General Counsel Kori Wisneski, HR Director Justin Richardson Public: Maria Scarlett, 1. Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Public Comment: Krishna Winston, Chair of the Resource Recycling Advisory Commission, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance to convert the Recycling Commission into the Middletown Sustainability Commission. Ann Gregg, President of Local 6457, expressed support for the creation of a Grant Writer position. Brian Gomez, a member of the Resource Recycling Advisory Commission, voiced support for the Middletown Sustainability Commission ordinance. A letter from Nick LaRosa, President of Local 466, was read into the record. The letter supported the revised job description for the Construction Inspector role. 3. Approval of Minutes Council Member Salafia made a motion to approve the minutes from the February 13, 2025 meeting and Council Member Pulino seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4. New Business A. Job Description – Grant Writer The Commission discussed the proposed Grant Writer position. The role's purpose and significance were considered, highlighting its potential contribution to securing funding and supporting city initiatives across all City departments. There was some discussion about salary and comparing the proposed salary to other grant writer jobs across the state and at the BOE. The position was approved  with a salary range of $65,353 to $96,200. Council Member Salafia made a motion to approve the job description and Council Member Pulino seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. B. Job Description – Construction Inspector The Commission discussed the revised job description for the Construction Inspector role. The updated description now includes a requirement for a NICET Level 2 Heavy Construction certification. This addition was highlighted as an important qualification to ensure that candidates possess the necessary technical expertise for the position. Council Member Salafia made a motion to add the NICET Level 2 to the job description and Council Member Sweeney seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Council Member Salafia made a motion to approve the job description as amended and Council Member Nocera seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. C. Ordinance – Middletown Sustainability Commission (14-57 & 14-58) The Commission reviewed the proposed ordinance to establish the Middletown Sustainability Commission, which would replace the existing Recycling Commission. The new commission aims to broaden the city's sustainability efforts and actively engage the community in promoting responsible environmental practices. Council Member Nocera made a motion to approve the ordinance and Council Member Sweeney seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. 5. Old Business A. Recruitment Efforts Director Richardson introduced Maria Scarlett as the newly appointed Recruitment and Outreach Specialist. Maria expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and shared her enthusiasm about supporting the city’s outreach initiatives. The Commission congratulated her on the new role and extended a warm welcome. The Commission had an in-depth discussion regarding the city's ongoing recruitment efforts. Cultural events like Black History Month celebrations and the Women's History Month pop-up shop event has expanded outreach. Collaborations with organizations such as Workforce Alliance and other events 2 has helped develop a City network, which will support recruitment initiatives and help address staffing challenges in key departments. Ms. Scarlett stated that she hopes to establish a matrix to measure how her efforts are improving and expanding the City’s recruitment. B. Baker Tilly Updates The discussion on the Baker Tilly classification and compensation study focused on its progress and the steps remaining before finalization. The review process is currently in Phase Two, where unions are examining job descriptions for accuracy after supervisors completed their reviews in Phase One. While UPSEU has completed its review, raising concerns about job education and experience requirements, AFSCME Local 466 is still reviewing its descriptions, and is facing delays due to manually transcribing handwritten edits. They requested two more weeks to finalize their feedback. In Phase Three, the City will meet with unions and department heads to resolve any outstanding concerns before moving to Phase Four, where finalized job descriptions will be sent to Baker Tilly for evaluation. The firm will use its SAFE evaluation program to score positions and assign appropriate pay grades based on duties and qualifications. Although the City initially anticipated the union review process would take about a month, delays have extended the timeline. Council members stressed the importance of completing the study efficiently while ensuring fairness in job classifications and pay structures. C. Vacancy Report The vacancy report was reviewed, showcasing several updates on staffing progress. The Commission noted that the Heavy Equipment Operator position had been successfully filled. Additionally, one Truck Driver position was filled, with another candidate awaiting final clearance before officially assuming the role. The Master Mechanic position was still in active recruitment. The Commission discussed concerns regarding the position’s salary, with Director Richardson explaining that efforts were underway in collaboration with the union to resolve those concerns and attract qualified candidates. The Commission also addressed the urgent need for a Facilities Manager to oversee the maintenance and upkeep of city properties. They stressed the importance of this role in ensuring city buildings are properly maintained and operational, emphasizing that filling this position should be a priority. 3 6. Adjournment Council Member Salafia made a motion to adjourn and Council Member Nocera seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m. 4