CITY OF UTICA
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
AGENDA
JANUARY 19, 2022
1. Roll Call: Teresa Wojnas, Chairperson
Craig B. Minor, Commissioner
David H. Williams, Commissioner
Lori A. Wrobel, Secretary to the Civil Service Commission
2. Call the Meeting to order.
3. Review and approve Civil Service Commission Meeting Minutes from December 15, 2021 as written or as corrected.
4. Oral and written communications received:
A. Resolution has been received from the Board of Estimate an Apportionment noting that the Table of Organization has been amended as follows:
DEPARTMENT: Building Codes (A53620)
Codes (A53625)
CHANGE: Building Codes
Chief Building Inspector from Grade 24 to Grade 25
Building Inspector from Grade 19 to Grade 20
Plumbing Inspector from Grade 19 to Grade 21
Codes
Housing Code Inspector to Housing Code Inspector Trainee Grade 8
Data Entry Machine Operator, Grade 13 to Permits and Records Clerk, Grade 14
Funding of New Titles:
Chief Housing Code Inspector, Grade 23
Codes Coordinator, Grade 21
Effective: December 20, 2021
Explanation: To increase rate of pay to market rate.
B. Correspondence has been received from the New York State Department of Civil Service concerning their COVID-19 Vaccination/Testing Policy – for State Test Centers.
C. Paperwork has been received from the New York State Department of Civil Service concerning the Public Health Corps Fellowship Program Positions.
5. Fees Collected:
A. A total of $0.00 has been forwarded to Comptroller William Morehouse for the following examinations:
None.
6. Adoption or amendment of job specifications:
A. The Department of IT has requested that the minimum qualifications for the title Computer Specialist be updated.
If acceptable, make a motion to approve the changes proposed for the competitive title Computer Specialist in the IT Department.
B. Mayor Robert M. Palmieri and Police Chief Mark Williams have requested that the minimum qualifications for the title Police Chief be updated. The minimum qualifications were last updated in 2001.
If acceptable, make a motion to approve the changes proposed for the competitive title of Police Chief.
C. Mayor Robert M. Palmieri and Police Chief Mark Williams have requested that the minimum qualifications for the title Deputy Police Chief be updated. The minimum qualifications were last updated in 2001.
If acceptable, make a motion to approve the changes proposed for the competitive title of Deputy Police Chief.
7. Approval of New Positions:
A. None.
8. Appointments to Labor Class Positions:
In accordance with Rule V of the City of Utica Rules for the Classified Civil Service, which states “a position in the labor class may be filled by the appointment of any person selected by the appointing officer of the agency where a vacancy exists” the following individuals have been appointed to Labor Class positions:
A. Utica City School District:
Danielle R. Morrissey was appointed as a School Monitor at $16.73 per hour effective November 22, 2021.
Patrick J. Giruzzi and Frederick Nicotera were appointed as a School Monitors at $16.73 per hour effective December 7, 2021.
Ronald S. Ellis was appointed as a School Monitor at $16.73 per hour effective December 15, 2021.
Emsuda Basic, Angel Broadus, Senira J. Gredel, Devin Hedges, Pangna Pich, Adnana Ramic, Deana Marie Small, Karol Suero, Ashlee Zayas Colon were appointed as School Monitors at $14.51 per hour effective December 20, 2021.
9. Appointments to Non-Competitive Positions:
In accordance with Rule IV of the City of Utica Rules for the Classified Civil Service, which states “a position in the non-competitive class may be filled by the appointment of a person who meets the minimum qualifications”:
A. None.
10. Appointments to Provisional and Temporary (Competitive) Positions:
Paperwork has been received appointing the following individuals to a provisional or
temporary position:
Applications of candidates for positions in the classified service must be submitted to the Commission on the form and in the manner prescribed by the Commission.
The burden of establishing qualifications to the satisfaction of the Commission shall be upon the applicant.
A. Paperwork has been received from the Municipal Housing Authority noting the provisional appointment of Shelley Penge as a Deputy Executive Director at an annual salary of $111,019 effective December 1, 2021.
11. Approval of Exempt Class Positions:
A. None.
12. Examinations Ordered:
The following examinations have been ordered:
D A T E T I T L E N U M B E R
April 25, 2020 Purchasing Agent TBD
January 22, 2022 Police Officer Agility Test
February 5, 2022 Bookkeeper 67-871
March 5, 2022 Cashier 66-702
Housing Code Inspector Trainee 66-663
Real Property Data Clerk 66-733
March 19, 2022 Firefighter-EMT 68-455
Firefighter-Paramedic 64-424
June 11, 2022 Office Specialist 72-418
Office Specialist 61-575
June 25, 2022 Fire Captain 72-677
Fire Lieutenant 72-724
WAITING FOR RESULTS OF
December 11, 2021 Accountant 66-410
Deputy Fire Chief 72-556
EXAMS ON ORDER:
Administrative Aide, Engineering – Open Competitive
Administrative Clerk, Section 8 – Open Competitive
Animal Control Parking Enforcement Officer, UPD – Open Competitive
Asset Manager, Municipal Housing Authority – Open Competitive
Assistant Engineer, Engineering – Promotional
Assistant Finance Administrator, Municipal Housing Authority - Promotional
Cashier Supervisor, Comptroller’s Office – Promotional
Chief Fire Marshal, UFD – Promotional
Computer Support Technician, IT - Open Competitive
Electrical Inspector, Codes – Open Competitive
Employee Insurance Specialist, Utica City School District – Open Competitive
Financial Analyst, Section 8 – Open Competitive
Fire Captain, UFD – Promotional
Fire Lieutenant, UFD – Promotional
Fire Marshal, UFD – Promotional
Housing Assistance Administrator, Section 8 – Open Competitive
Housing Assistance Representative, Section 8 – Open Competitive
Media Technician, Utica City School District – Open Competitive
MicroComputer Training Specialist, Utica City School District – Open Competitive
Occupational Therapist, Utica City School District – Open Competitive
Office Manager, Municipal Housing Authority – Open Competitive
Office Manager, UPD – Open Competitive
Principal Planner, UED – Promotional
Secretary to the Administrator, Utica City School District – Open Competitive
Senior Engineering Aide, Engineering – Open Competitive
Telecommunications Specialist, Utica City School District – Open Competitive
Typist, Utica City School District - Open Competitive
13. Examination Announcements:
The following examinations have been announced in accordance with Civil Service Law:
A. The open competitive examination announcement for Firefighter-EMT #68-455 was announced on December 11, 2021. This examination is scheduled for March 19, 2022. This eligible list will be used to fill any future vacancy at the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Fire.
B. The open competitive examination announcement for Firefighter-Paramedic #64-424 was announced on December 11, 2021. This examination is scheduled for March 19, 2022. This eligible list will be used to fill any future vacancy at the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Fire.
14. Certified Eligible Lists:
A. None.
15. Establishment of Eligible Lists:
A. The scores for the Police Captain #70-365 exam held on October 16, 2021 have been received. Three (3) names appear on this mandatory Eligible List.
Make a motion to establish the Eligible List for Police Captain #70-365 effective January 19, 2022 through January 19, 2026.
16. Applications for Examination:
A. Review and approve/disapprove examination applications for:
Bookkeeper #67-871.
17. Leave of Absences/Reinstatement:
A. Paperwork has been received from the Department of Codes Enforcement noting the Military Leave of Absence of provisional Housing Codes Inspector Trainee
Jermar Hymes effective December 20, 2021 through April 30, 2022.
B. Paperwork has been received from the Department of Public Works noting the Leave of Absence of Heavy Equipment Operator Robert Gianotti effective October 22, 2021; and the Leave of Absence of Heavy Equipment Operator Steven Connell effective December 6, 2021 through December 20, 2021.
18. Resignations/Retirements/Terminations:
A. Paperwork has been received from the Department of Public Safety, Bureau Police noting the retirement of Police Officer Scott M. Berger effective January 6, 2022.
B. Paperwork has been received from the Department of Urban and Economic Development, Section 8 noting the resignation of Administrative Clerk Santina Ward effective December 28, 2021.
C. Paperwork has been received from the Municipal Housing Authority noting the Leave of Absence of Laborer Anatoliy Popov effective December 1, 2021.
D Paperwork has been received from the Utica City School District noting the retirement of School Monitor Denise Lomonico effective November 3, 2021; the retirement of Cleaner Robert Bonner effective November 11, 2021; the resignation of provisional Typist Valarie Aversa effective November 18, 2021; the resignation of School Monitor Sado Korman effective December 6, 2021; the abandonment of position of School Monitor Karl Wendt effective December 15, 2021; the resignation of School Monitor Haris Bajrektarevic effective December 17, 2021; and the resignation of School Monitor Ricky D. Hoage effective December 20 2021.
19. Review current Eligible List Master Schedule:
A.
20. Other Business:
A.
21. Review vouchers regarding Employment Agency hires: Golf and Parks
22. The next meeting of the Civil Service Commission is scheduled for February 16, 2022 at 3:30PM.
23. Adjourn Meeting.
CITY OF UTICA
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
JANUARY 19, 2022
The City of Utica Municipal Civil Service Commission held a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 3:30PM in the Common Council Chambers, First Floor, City Hall.
THOSE PRESENT: Teresa Wojnas, Chairperson
Craig B. Minor, Commissioner
David H. Williams, Commissioner
Lori A. Wrobel, Secretary to the Commission
Chairperson Teresa Wojnas called the meeting to order at 3:30PM.
Commissioner Craig B. Minor made a motion to accept the Civil Service Commission Meeting Minutes from December 15, 2021 as written; seconded by Commissioner David H. Williams.
All Commissioners Voting: Aye
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED:
Resolution has been received from the Board of Estimate an Apportionment noting that the Table of Organization has been amended as follows:
DEPARTMENT: Building Codes (A53620)
Codes (A53625)
CHANGE: Building Codes
Chief Building Inspector from Grade 24 to Grade 25
Building Inspector from Grade 19 to Grade 20
Plumbing Inspector from Grade 19 to Grade 21
Codes
Housing Code Inspector to Housing Code Inspector Trainee Grade 8
Data Entry Machine Operator, Grade 13 to Permits and Records Clerk,
Grade 14
Funding of New Titles:
Chief Housing Code Inspector, Grade 23
Codes Coordinator, Grade 21
Effective: December 20, 2021
Utica Municipal Civil Service Commission Meeting 01/19/22 Page 2
Explanation: To increase rate of pay to market rate.
Correspondence has been received from the New York State Department of Civil Service concerning their COVID-19 Vaccination/Testing Policy – for State Test Centers.
Paperwork has been received from the New York State Department of Civil Service concerning the Public Health Corps Fellowship Program Positions.
FEES COLLECTED:
A total of $0.00 has been forwarded to Comptroller William Morehouse for the following examinations:
None.
ADOPTION OR AMENDMENT OF JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Mayor Robert M. Palmieri and Police Chief Mark Williams have requested that the minimum qualifications for the title Police Chief be updated. The minimum qualifications were last updated in 2018.
Commissioner Craig B. Minor made a motion to approve the request to update the minimum qualifications for Police Chief to “continuous permanent employment as a Deputy Police Chief for twelve (12) months for the City of Utica, Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Police; OR eighteen (18) months of continuous permanent employment as a Police Captain for the City of Utica Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Police, immediately preceding the date of the written examination.
Special Requirements: Possession of a valid New York State Drivers License at the time of application. Valid Drivers License must be maintained throughout employment;
The Commission had a detailed discussion about the requested changes and asked to come back to this item later during the meeting. Once the other agenda items were addressed, this issue was revisited and seconded by Chairperson Teresa Wojnas.
All Commissioners Voting:
Chairperson Teresa Wojnas Aye
Commissioner Craig B. Minor Aye
Commissioner David H. Williams Nay
Utica Municipal Civil Service Commission Meeting 01/19/22 Page 3
APPROVAL OF NEW POSITIONS
None.
APPOINTMENTS TO LABOR CLASS POSITIONS
In accordance with Rule V of the City of Utica Rules for the Classified Civil Service, which
states “a position in the labor class may be filled by the appointment of any person selected by
the appointing officer of the agency where a vacancy exists” the following individuals have
been appointed to Labor Class positions:
Utica City School District:
Danielle R. Morrissey was appointed as a School Monitor at $16.73 per hour effective November 22, 2021.
Patrick J. Giruzzi and Frederick Nicotera were appointed as a School Monitors at $16.73 per hour effective December 7, 2021.
Ronald S. Ellis was appointed as a School Monitor at $16.73 per hour effective December 15, 2021.
Emsuda Basic, Angel Broadus, Senira J. Gredel, Devin Hedges, Pangna Pich, Adnana Ramic, Deana Marie Small, Karol Suero, Ashlee Zayas Colon were appointed as School Monitors at $14.51 per hour effective December 20, 2021.
APPOINTMENTS TO NON-COMPETITIVE POSITIONS
In accordance with Rule IV of the City of Utica Rules for the Classified Civil Service, which states “a position in the non-competitive class may be filled by the appointment of a person who meets the minimum qualifications”:
None.
APPOINTMENTS TO PROVISIONAL OR TEMPORARY (COMPETITIVE)
POSITIONS (Function delegated to Secretary)
Paperwork has been received appointing the following individuals to a provisional or
temporary position:
Utica Municipal Civil Service Commission Meeting 01/19/22 Page 4
Applications of candidates for positions in the classified service must be submitted to the
Commission on the form and in the manner prescribed by the Commission.
The burden of establishing qualifications to the satisfaction of the Commission shall be upon the applicant.
Paperwork has been received from the Municipal Housing Authority noting the provisional appointment of Shelley Penge as a Deputy Executive Director at an annual salary of $111,019 effective December 1, 2021.
APPROVAL OF EXEMPT CLASS POSITION
None.
EXAMINATIONS ORDERED
The following examinations have been ordered:
D A T E T I T L E N U M B E R
April 25, 2020 Purchasing Agent TBD
January 22, 2022 Police Officer Agility Test
February 5, 2022 Bookkeeper 67-871
March 5, 2022 Cashier 66-702
Housing Code Inspector Trainee 66-663
Real Property Data Clerk 66-733
March 19, 2022 Firefighter-EMT 68-455
Firefighter-Paramedic 64-424
June 11, 2022 Office Specialist 72-418
Office Specialist 61-575
June 25, 2022 Fire Captain 72-677
Fire Lieutenant 72-724
WAITING FOR RESULTS OF
December 11, 2021 Accountant 66-410
Deputy Fire Chief 72-556
Utica Municipal Civil Service Commission Meeting 01/19/22 Page 5
EXAMS ON ORDER:
Administrative Aide, Engineering – Open Competitive
Administrative Clerk, Section 8 – Open Competitive
Animal Control Parking Enforcement Officer, UPD – Open Competitive
Asset Manager, Municipal Housing Authority – Open Competitive
Assistant Engineer, Engineering – Promotional
Assistant Finance Administrator, Municipal Housing Authority - Promotional
Cashier Supervisor, Comptroller’s Office – Promotional
Chief Fire Marshal, UFD – Promotional
Computer Support Technician, IT - Open Competitive
Electrical Inspector, Codes – Open Competitive
Employee Insurance Specialist, Utica City School District – Open Competitive
Financial Analyst, Section 8 – Open Competitive
Fire Captain, UFD – Promotional
Fire Lieutenant, UFD – Promotional
Fire Marshal, UFD – Promotional
Housing Assistance Administrator, Section 8 – Open Competitive
Housing Assistance Representative, Section 8 – Open Competitive
Media Technician, Utica City School District – Open Competitive
MicroComputer Training Specialist, Utica City School District – Open Competitive
Occupational Therapist, Utica City School District – Open Competitive
Office Manager, Municipal Housing Authority – Open Competitive
Office Manager, UPD – Open Competitive
Principal Planner, UED – Promotional
Secretary to the Administrator, Utica City School District – Open Competitive
Senior Engineering Aide, Engineering – Open Competitive
Telecommunications Specialist, Utica City School District – Open Competitive
Typist, Utica City School District - Open Competitive
EXAMINATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following examinations have been announced in accordance with Civil Service Law:
The open competitive examination announcement for Firefighter-EMT #68-455 was announced on December 11, 2021. This examination is scheduled for March 19, 2022. This eligible list will be used to fill any future vacancy at the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Fire.
The open competitive examination announcement for Firefighter-Paramedic #64-424 was announced on December 11, 2021. This examination is scheduled for March 19, 2022. This eligible list will be used to fill any future vacancy at the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Fire.
Utica Municipal Civil Service Commission Meeting 01/19/22 Page 6
CERTIFED ELIGIBLE LISTS
None.
ESTABLISHMENT OF ELIGIBLE LISTS
The scores for the Police Captain #70-365 exam held on October 16, 2021 have been received. Three (3) names appear on this mandatory Eligible List.
Chairperson Teresa Wojnas made a motion to establish the Eligible List for Police Captain #70-365 effective January 19, 2022 through January 19, 2026; seconded by Commissioner David H. Williams.
All Commissioners Present Voting: Aye
APPLICATIONS FOR EXAMINATIONS
The Commission reviewed and approved/disapproved examination applications for:
Bookkeeper #67-871.
LEAVE OF ABSENCES / REINSTATEMENTS
Paperwork has been received from the Department of Codes Enforcement noting the Military Leave of Absence of provisional Housing Codes Inspector Trainee Jermar Hymes effective December 20, 2021 through April 30, 2022.
Paperwork has been received from the Department of Public Works noting the Leave of Absence of Heavy Equipment Operator Robert Gianotti effective October 22, 2021; and the Leave of Absence of Heavy Equipment Operator Steven Connell effective December 6, 2021 through December 20, 2021.
RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTS/TERMINATIONS
Paperwork has been received from the Department of Public Safety, Bureau Police noting the retirement of Police Officer Scott M. Berger effective January 6, 2022.
Paperwork has been received from the Department of Urban and Economic Development, Section 8 noting the resignation of Administrative Clerk Santina Ward effective December 28, 2021.
Utica Municipal Civil Service Commission Meeting 01/19/22 Page 7
Paperwork has been received from the Municipal Housing Authority noting the Leave of Absence of Laborer Anatoliy Popov effective December 1, 2021.
Paperwork has been received from the Utica City School District noting the retirement of School Monitor Denise Lomonico effective November 3, 2021; the retirement of Cleaner Robert Bonner effective November 11, 2021; the resignation of provisional Typist Valarie Aversa effective November 18, 2021; the resignation of School Monitor Sado Korman effective December 6, 2021; the abandonment of position of School Monitor Karl Wendt effective December 15, 2021; the resignation of School Monitor Haris Bajrektarevic effective December 17, 2021; and the resignation of School Monitor Ricky D. Hoage effective December 20 2021.
REVIEW OF CURRENT ELIGIBLE LIST MASTER SCHEDULE
The Eligible List for Assistant Fire Chief #71-071 is due to expire on May 23, 2022. There
are five (5) candidates that appear on this mandatory Eligible List that resulted in one (1)
permanent appointment. The examination for this title was held on January 5, 2019 and the
Eligible List was established on May 23, 2019.
This Eligible List for Assistant Fire Chief #71-071 can be extended for a maximum of one (1) more year.
Commissioner Teresa Wojnas made a motion to extend the Eligible List for Assistant Fire Chief #71-071 through May 23, 2023; seconded by Commissioner Craig B. Minor.
All Commissioners Voting: Aye
The Eligible List for Community Development Specialist #67-414 is due to expire on April 21, 2022. There is one (1) name on this non-mandatory Eligible List that resulted in one (1) permanent appointment. The examination for this title was held on December 15, 2020 and the Eligible List was established on April 21, 2021.
There may be a need to extend the Eligible List for Community Development Specialist #67-414 since the probationary period for this employee may need to be extended.
Commissioner David H. Williams made a motion to extend the Eligible List for Community Development Specialist #67-414 through April 21, 2023; seconded by Commissioner Craig B. Minor.
All Commissioners Voting: Aye
Utica Municipal Civil Service Commission Meeting 01/19/22 Page 8
The Eligible List for Fire Chief #70-798 is due to expire on May 23, 2022. There are three (3) candidates that appear on this mandatory Eligible List that resulted in one (1) permanent appointment. The examination for this title was held on January 5, 2019 and the Eligible List was established on May 23, 2019.
This Eligible List for Fire Chief #70-798 can be extended for a maximum of one (1) more year.
Commissioner Craig B. Minor made a motion to extend the Eligible List for Fire Chief #70-798 through May 23, 2023; seconded by Commissioner David H. Williams.
All Commissioners Voting: Aye
The Eligible List for Police Lieutenant #73-897 is due to expire on March 18, 2022. There are twelve (12) candidates that appear on this mandatory Eligible List that resulted in three (3) permanent appointments. The examination for this title was held on October 19, 2019 and the Eligible List was established on March 18, 2020.
This Eligible List for Police Lieutenant #73-897 can be extended for a minimum of one (1) more year or a maximum of two (2) years.
Commissioner Craig B. Minor made a motion to extend the Eligible List for Police Lieutenant #73-897 through March 18, 2023; seconded by Commissioner David H. Williams.
All Commissioners Voting: Aye
OTHER BUSINESS
None.
The next meeting of the Civil Service Commission is scheduled for February 16, 2022 at
3:30PM.
Having no further business, Chairperson Teresa Wojnas made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:25pm; seconded by Commissioner David H. Williams.
All Commissioners Voting: Aye
Respectfully submitted,
Lori A. Wrobel
Secretary to the Commission
February 14, 2022
