Board approves repurposing of 36 DPW positions, extends multiple temporary appointments and probationary periods

The Board of City Service Commissioners on July 8 approved a package of personnel and classification actions affecting the Department of Public Works, Milwaukee Water Works and other city departments.

The board approved a request from compensation services to repurpose 36 vacant city labor positions in the Department of Public Works’ operations division into the equipment operator 1–3 title series. The report recommended setting position authority at the equipment operator 3 level and a recruitment rate of $61,850. The motion to approve was moved and seconded and recorded in the meeting roll call with all commissioners voting yes.

The board approved multiple temporary appointment extensions from Milwaukee Water Works and other divisions: - A 90-day extension for a temporary Water Meter Investigator auxiliary appointment for Bob Wilson (first extension). The board received the temporary appointment paperwork, job description and Wilson’s resume and approved the request unanimously. - A second-extension request for Miguel Herrera, water field supervisor, originally requested for 90 days but amended on the floor to a six-month extension (retroactive to 06/21/2025 through 09/27/2025 was the initial date range discussed; the board approved a six-month extension). Janice Lowe, Waterworks administration manager, told commissioners the regular employee remains on extended leave and staff had no estimated return-to-work date; Lowe said the department asked for the standard 90-day extension but would welcome approval up to six months. The amended six-month extension passed on the board’s vote. - A six-month extension for Cornelius Rainey as temporary city labor (07/15/2025–12/19/2025) based on an anticipated 2026 reorganization of labor and driver positions; the department provided standard paperwork and a job description and the extension was approved. - A three-month extension for Peter Knox, parking services manager (through 10/17/2025). Lakisha Porter clarified that the position is funded from the transportation fund. The extension was approved.

The board also acted on probationary-period extensions and performance concerns: - The board approved a six-month extension of the probationary period for Sharon R. Luckett, Office Assistant 3 (07/15/2025–01/15/2026). Commissioners discussed performance concerns and an employee performance improvement plan provided by the department. When Commissioner Cleary asked whether the employee had shown improvement, the department representative said “Not at this time.” Cleary asked, “Why aren’t you discharging her?” The board approved the extension by majority vote; Commissioner Cleary voted no. - The board approved a six-month extension of the probationary period for Alan Meyer, machine shop supervisor (07/21/2025–01/21/2026). The department cited interpersonal relationship concerns and provided an employee performance improvement plan; commissioners asked clarifying questions and then approved the extension.

Finally, the board approved requests to re-exempt three positions: - Re-exempt the Continuum of Care Specialist (pay range 2GX); the department noted the position is fully grant-funded and that federal funding priorities may change. - Re-exempt the Chief Assessor position (pay range 1PX); the office said the position assists in overall supervision of the assessment program and serves as deputy commissioner. - Re-exempt the Associate Library Director (pay range 10X) for the Milwaukee Public Library; the library director explained the position provides direction across 13 locations and represents the director before council committees and other bodies.

Most items were approved on unanimous voice or roll-call votes recorded as “yes” by commissioners. The probationary extension for Luckett passed by majority with one “no” vote from Commissioner Cleary.