CITY OF UTICA
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
AGENDA
MARCH 16, 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 February 16, 2021 as written or as corrected.
Hearings – Section 50.4 of NYS Civil Service Law:
Paperwork has been received from the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Police requesting the restriction
In accordance with Section 50.4 of New York State Civil Service, Section 58 of General Municipal Law and the New York State Professional Policing Act of 2021, the City of Utica Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Police has requested that the following candidate be restricted from the current Police Officer Eligible List #60-899:
Candidate Mangal, ranked #34 on the current Eligible List. The reasons for this restriction have been forwarded to the Utica Municipal Civil Service Commission for review.
Candidate Mangal has requested an opportunity to provide an explanation and submit facts in opposition to this disqualification.
After hearing any explanation or reviewing any facts in opposition, make a motion to either restrict Candidate Mangal from the current Police Officer Eligible List #60-899 or to leave his name as an active candidate.
In accordance with Section 50.4 of New York State Civil Service, Section 58 of General Municipal Law and the New York State Professional Policing Act of 2021, the City of Utica Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Police has requested that the following candidate be restricted from the current Police Officer Eligible List #60-899:
Candidate Hill, ranked #49 on the current Eligible List. The reasons for this restriction have been forwarded to the Utica Municipal Civil Service Commission for review.
Candidate Hill has requested an opportunity to provide an explanation and submit facts in opposition to this disqualification.
After hearing any explanation or reviewing any facts in opposition, make a motion to either restrict Candidate Hill from the current Police Officer Eligible List #60-899 or to leave his name as an active candidate.
In accordance with Section 50.4 of New York State Civil Service, Section 58 of General Municipal Law and the New York State Professional Policing Act of 2021, the City of Utica Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Police has requested that the following candidate be restricted from the current Police Officer Eligible List #60-899:
Candidate Abdelmadjid, ranked #69 on the current Eligible List. The reasons for this restriction have been forwarded to the Utica Municipal Civil Service Commission for review.
Candidate Abdelmadjid has NOT requested an opportunity to provide an explanation and submit facts in opposition to this disqualification.
Make a motion to restrict Candidate Abdelmadjid from the current Police Officer Eligible List #60-899.
Candidate Abdelmadjid will be notified by mail of the decision.
4. Oral and written communications received:
A. None.
5. Fees Collected:
A. A total of $5,000.00 has been forwarded to Comptroller William Morehouse for the following examinations:
Firefighter-EMT #68-455;
Firefighter-Paramedic #64-424;
Deputy Police Chief – Type C #70-720; and
Police Chief – Type C #77-723.
6. Adoption or amendment of job specifications:
A. Mayor Robert M. Palmieri has requested that a job specification for Grants Writing Specialist be considered. As noted after the last Civil Service Commission Meeting, CSEA did have concerns with lowering the salary for Grants Writer and preferred an entry level Grants Writing position.
If acceptable, make a motion to approve the job specification for the title Grants Writing Specialist.
B. The Civil Service/Personnel Department will be appointing a provisional Administrative Aide effective April 1, 2022. This position does not call for a experience with the maintenance of financial accounts. The Department of Engineering also has a provisional Administrative Aide that is not responsible for the maintenance of financial records.
The job specification for Administrative Aide current states:
Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate Degree and one (1) year of clerical administrative or office management experience which shall have involved keyboarding and maintenance of financial accounts and records; OR
Graduation from High School of possession of a High School Equivalency Diploma and three (3) years of clerical, administrative or office management experience which shall have involved keyboarding and maintenance of financial accounts and records; OR
An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).
Proposed Changes:
Graduation from a regionally accredited of New York State registered college or university with an Associates Degree, and one (1) year of administrative clerical or office management experience; OR
Graduation from High School or possession of a High School Equivalency Diploma, and three (3) years of clerical or administrative office management experience.
If acceptable, make a motion to approve the changes proposed for the competitive title of Administrative Aide.
C. The Utica City School District is requesting a job specification for the title Licensed Practical Nurse. This position would provide routine sub-professional nursing care; keep attendance records, health records and related documents; provide first aid treatment following accidents or other incidents; notify parents and family physician of accidents or other health problems of students; arrange transportation for sick or injured students and employees to their homes, hospital or physician’s office; administer medications as prescribed by a physical; arrange for physicals and maintain health records.
If acceptable, make a motion to approve the job specification for the title Licensed Practical Nurse.
7. Approval of New Positions:
A. The Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Police has requested one (1) Grants Writing Specialist position. This position will need to be classified as competitive.
All of the required paperwork has been received.
If acceptable, make a motion to approve the request for one (1) Grants Writing Specialist position at the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Police.
B. The Department of Codes Enforcement has requested one (1) additional Housing Code Inspector Trainee position. This would be an entry level position in the Codes Enforcement Office. This position is classified as competitive.
All of the required paperwork has been received.
If acceptable, make a motion to approve the request for one (1) additional Housing Code Inspector Trainee positions for the Codes Enforcement Office.
C. The Utica City School District has requested six (6) Licensed Practical Nurse positions. This position would be lcoated in various school buildings throughout the District and assist the Registered Nurses with daily duties.
If acceptable, make a motion to approve the request for six (6) Licensed Practical Nurse positions for the Utica City School District.
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. Department of Public Works:
Alween Guivas-Hernandez was appointed as a Laborer at $20.60 per hour effective February 28, 2022.
Municipal Housing Authority:
Salih Pehlic was appointed as a Laborer at $31,986 effective February 14, 2022;
Carlos Rivera was promoted to the title Maintenance Laborer at $37,534 effective February 14, 2022.
Utica City School District:
Dakota M. Nolan was appointed as a School Monitor at $16.73 per hour effective December 16, 2021;
Maxine Grogan and Trevor P. Worden were appointed as School Monitors at $16.73 per hour effective January 3, 2022;
Victor Rodriguez was appointed as a School Monitor at $16.73 per hour effective January 5, 2022;
Meredith Blando was appointed as a School Monitor at $16.73 per hour effective January 26, 2022;
Patrick J. Wuest was appointed as a School Monitor at $25.89 per hour effective January 26, 2022;
Nicholas Diviccaro was appointed as a Cleaner at $15.21 per hour effective January 26, 2022;
Matthew J. Arcuri was appointed as a Cleaner at $15.21 per hour effective February 22, 2022;
Maria Flores-Deventura was appointed as a Food Service Worker at $14.51 per hour effective February 28, 2022;
Tavior Glover and Minka Kudic were appointed as School Monitors at $14.23 per hour effective February 28, 2022;
Bethzaida Maldonado, Indira Mehmedovic, Gabriela Morales, and Marivone Morales were appointed as Food Service Workers at $15.54 per hour effective February 28, 2022;
Sejinda Muhic and Jennifer Sciortino were appointed as a School Monitors at $14.23 per hour effective February 28, 2022.
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. Municipal Housing Authority:
Timothy Atanasoff was appointed as a Carpenter at $46,042 effective February 22, 2022; and
Sasa Grahovic was appointed as a Carpenter at $46,042 effective March 7, 2022.
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 Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Police noting the provisional appointment of Rebecca Duval as an Office Manager at an annual salary of $42,517 effective February 28, 2022. The examination for this title is scheduled for May 14, 2022.
B. Paperwork has been received from the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Police noting the provisional appointment of Cassandra Fusco as a Grants Writing Specialist at an annual salary of $54,014 effective February 28, 2022. The examination for this title will be ordered once the position has been created.
C. Paperwork has been received from the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Police noting the Lateral Transfer of Police Officer Sanel Beslic at an annual salary of $49,288 effective March 11, 2022.
D. Paperwork has been received from the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Police noting the Lateral Transfer of Police Officer Andrew J. Citriniti at an annual salary of $49,288 effective March 11, 2022.
E. Paperwork has been received from the Municipal Housing Authority noting the provisional promotion of Christopher Pazik as Assistant Asset Manager at an annual salary of $68,969 effective February 28, 2022. The examination for this title was held on January 18, 2022.
11. Approval of Exempt Class Positions:
A. Andrew Castilla was appointed as a Deputy City Clerk on February 28, 2022 at an annual salary of $57,182.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position exists in the Office of the City Clerk and involves responsibility of attending all regular and special meetings of the Common Council and Board of Estimate and Apportionment. An employee in this position is also responsible for coordinating and organizing information required for the Common Council and Board of Estimate and Apportionment meetings. This position involves responsibility for assisting the City Clerk by coordinating day-to-day office management and administrative functions. An understanding of specific law; office rules, procedures and policies is required. It entails preparing the agenda, minutes, legal notices, etc. for the meetings of the Common Council and Board of Estimate and Apportionment. Work is performed under general supervision with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in the application of prescribed procedures and methods to routine cases. Unusual problems or situations, not previously encountered, are referred to the City Clerk before action is taken. Supervision may be exercised over the work of the office staff. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)
Uses judgement and experience in making decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures;
Responsible for preparing agenda, resolutions, minutes, vouchers, and a variety of other
reports;
Attend all regular and special meetings of the Common Council and Board of Estimate and Apportionment;
Prepare proposed legislation, i.e. Ordinances, Resolutions, and Local Laws for distribution to Common Council Members;
Responsible for dictation and typing for President and Members of Common Council;
Prepare, post and distribute all Legal Notices;
Certify any adopted legislation to City Departments as well as New York State;
Certify all adopted Board of Estimate and Apportionment legislation;
Prepare and supplement distribution of Municipal Codes for the Code of Ordinance;
May administer Oaths of Office;
May act as Secretary to the Board of Estimate and Apportionment;
Assume the responsibilities of City Clerk in his/her absence;
Assists in the formulation of policies and procedures;
Advise the City Clerk regarding current problems and progress of over all programs and policies;
Conduct public relations;
May supervise office staff;
Keeps abreast of city, state, and other rules, regulations, and policies regarding the City Clerk’s Office;
Prepares the preliminary draft of budget request and monitors expenditures to maintain budgetary control;
Participates in professional conferences/training programs;
Operates office equipment as required;
Performs a variety of related duties as necessary for the efficient execution of administrative functions of the department;
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Good knowledge of office terminology, procedures and equipment; ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of office staff; ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions; ability to prepare correspondence and reports; ability to secure the cooperation of others; ability to deal effectively with the public; ability to readily acquire familiarity with departmental organization, functions, laws, policies and regulations; ability to maintain confidentiality of all aspects of the department; mental alertness; good judgment; neatness; accuracy; tact and courtesy. Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Make a motion to determine that this position is property classified as Exempt.
12. Examinations Ordered:
The following examinations have been ordered:
E X A M I N A T I O N S C H E D U L E
D A T E T I T L E N U M B E R
March 12, 2022 Clerk-Typist 2022-A
Occupational Therapist 2022-B
March 19, 2022 Firefighter-EMT 68-455
Firefighter-Paramedic 64-424
Deputy Police Chief 77-720
Police Chief 77-723
May 14, 2022 Administrative Aide 65-849
Administrative Clerk 61-217
Office Manager 77-765
Office Manager 65-384
Principal Clerk 63-342
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, 2022 Accountant 66-410
Deputy Fire Chief 72-556
February 22, 2022 Bookkeeper 67-871
March 5, 2022 Cashier 66-702
Housing Code Inspector Trainee 66-663
Real Property Data Clerk 66-733
EXAMS ON ORDER:
Animal Control Parking Enforcement Officer, UPD – Open Competitive
Assistant Asset Manager, Municipal Housing Authority – Promotional
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
Deputy Executive Secretary, Municipal Housing Authority - Promotional
Electrical Inspector, Codes – Open Competitive
Employee Insurance Specialist, Utica City School District – Open Competitive
Financial Analyst, Section 8 – Open Competitive
Fire Marshal, UFD – Promotional
Housing Assistance Administrator, Section 8 – Open Competitive
Housing Assistance Inspector, Section 8 – Open Competitive
Housing Assistance Representative, Section 8 – Open Competitive
Grants Writer, UPD – Open Competitive
Grants Writing Specialist, UPD – Open Competitive
Junior Engineer, Engineering – Open Competitive
Media Technician, Utica City School District – Open Competitive
MicroComputer Training Specialist, Utica City School District – Open Competitive Permits and Records Clerk, Codes Enforcement Office – Open Competitive
Principal Planner, UED – Promotional
Purchasing Agent, Purchasing – Open Competitive
Recreation Specialist, Youth Bureau – Open Competitive
Senior Engineering Aide, Engineering – Open Competitive
Telecommunications Specialist, 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 Administrative Aide #65-849 was announced on February 25, 2022. This examination is scheduled for May 14, 2022. There are currently two (2) vacancies for this position, one (1) in the Engineering Department and one (1) in the Civil Service Office. There is also an anticipated vacancy in the Comptroller’s Office. This eligible list will be used to fill the existing vacancies as well as any future vacancies.
B. The open competitive examination announcement for Administrative Clerk #61-217 was announced on February 25, 2022. This examination is scheduled for May 14, 2022. There are currently two (2) vacancies for this position, both in the Department of Urban and Economic Development, Section 8. This eligible list will be used to fill these vacancies as well as any future vacancies.
C. The open competitive examination announcement for Office Manager #65-384 was announced on March 1, 2022. This examination is scheduled for May 14, 2022. There is currently one (1) vacancy for this position at the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Police. This eligible list will be used to fill this vacancy as well as any future vacancies.
D. The promotional examination announcement for Office Manager #77-765 was announced on March 1, 2022. This examination is scheduled for May 14, 2022. There is currently one (1) vacancy at the Municipal Housing Authority. This eligible list will be used to fill this vacancy as well as any future vacancies.
14. Certified Eligible Lists:
A. None.
15. Establishment of Eligible Lists:
A. None.
16. Applications for Examination:
A. Review and approve/disapprove examination applications for:
None.
17. Leave of Absences/Reinstatements:
A. Paperwork has been received from the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Police noting the Leave of Absence of Police Officer Marc Palmer effective February 12, 2022 through February 16, 2022; the Leave of Absence of Police Office Zachary A. Ciotti effective March 9, 2022 through March 10, 2022.
18. Resignations/Retirements/Terminations:
A. Paperwork has been received from the City Clerk’s Office noting the termination of Deputy City Clerk David Butler effective January 28, 2022.
B. Paperwork has been received from the Department of Codes Enforcement noting the resignation of provisional Housing Code Inspector Trainee Brehidy Rodriguez effective March 8, 2022; and the resignation of Electrical Board Member Patrick Costello effective March 8, 2022.
C. Paperwork has been received from the Law Department noting the resignation of Assistant Corporation Counsel Sehrish Nawaz effective March 7, 2022.
D. Paperwork has been received from the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Fire noting the retirement of Firefighter-EMT Robert Calenzo effective February 23, 2022.
E. Paperwork has been received from the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Police noting the passing of Office Manager Donna Tasior on October 28, 2021; and the retirement of Police Sergeant Gregory J. Faccioli effective March 12, 2022.
F. Paperwork has been received from the Utica City School District noting the abandonment of position of School Monitor Karl Wendt effective December 15, 2021; the resignation of School Monitor Rickey Hoage effective December 20, 2021; the resignation of School Monitor Raymond Mazza effective January 3, 2022; the rescindment of the appointment of School Monitor Steven Yager effective January 3, 2022; the termination of School Monitor Lucille Dober effective January 26, 2022; the rescindment of School Monitor Trevor Worden effective January 28, 2022; the retirement of Assistant Custodian Michael Pellegrino effective January 29, 2022; the resignation of Typist Kayla Brooks effective February 4, 2022; the resignation of School Monitor Jerry Attili effective February 8, 2022; the resignation of Food Service Worker Ashley Cowley effective February 9, 2022; the resignation of Cleaner Jose Maldonado effective February 12, 2022; the abandonment of position of School Monitor Sandra Chrystie effective February 16, 2022; the abandonment of position of School Monitor Maxine Grogan effective February 16, 2022; the termination of provisional Typist Angela Pastor effective February 16, 2022; the abandonment of position of Emma Sook effective February 16, 2022; the resignation of School Monitor Eric Cardona effective February 17, 2022; the resignation of School Monitor Pamela Hooks effective February 18, 2022; and the resignation of Registered Nurse Olivia K. Hall effective February 25, 2022.
19. Review current Eligible List Master Schedule:
A. The Eligible List for Assistant Custodian #2020-A is due to expire on March 18, 2022. There are nineteen (19) candidates on this Eligible List that has resulted in no permanent appointments. This Eligible List is only used by the Utica City School District.
The Eligible List for Assistant Custodian #2020-A may be extended for a minimum of one (1) year to a maximum of two (2) years.
Make a motion to either extend the Eligible List or order a new examination.
20. Other Business:
A.
B.
C.
21. Review vouchers regarding Employment Agency hires: Golf and Parks
22. The next meeting of the Civil Service Commission is scheduled for April 20, 2022 at 3:30PM.
23. Adjourn Meeting.
