Committee holds reclassification of Office of Community Wellness and Safety director pending coordination with mayor—s office and Council

The committee held a proposed reclassification and salary change for the director of the Office of Community Wellness and Safety (OCWS) to allow time for further coordination among the department, the Mayor—s office and council members.

Alderwoman Sharlyn Moore and department staff explained the classification study performed by the Department of Employee Relations placed the position at a higher pay band (1N X) based on responsibility, impact and comparables. Andrea Knickerbocker (DER) explained the recommendation reflected a classification-level review and not immediate equity changes for other positions. Several aldermen said they wanted more clarity about where the position should be housed operationally (the health department vs. a cabinet-level appointment) and how that housing would affect confirmation and pay-stage decisions.

Committee members also noted the position had been discussed as part of the Executive Pay Plan earlier; aldermen expressed concern about re-opening pay adjustments so soon after the EPP and requested coordination with the Mayor—s office and the health department. Alderman Peter Bergellis and others moved to hold the item to the call of the chair for further discussion and to avoid presenting an unfinished item at Council.

DER staff said the classification recommendation did not create direct equity issues for the OCWS director position itself but acknowledged wider equity and compression concerns exist across titles that had been adjusted under the prior Executive Pay Plan. The committee agreed to hold the reclassification item and the related changes to the salaries and positions ordinance until the parties could confer and provide additional detail.