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Saratoga Springs Civil Service Commission approves multiple hires, leaves and probation completions
Summary
The commission voted unanimously at its Jan. 29 meeting to approve a package of personnel actions across departments, including two Department of Public Works noncompetitive appointments, library and school hires, provisional appointments in the mayor's office and a lateral police transfer.
The Saratoga Springs Civil Service Commission on Jan. 29 approved a series of personnel actions across city departments, including noncompetitive appointments, leaves of absence and completed probationary periods.
The actions approved included two noncompetitive appointments in the Department of Public Works, the early return from leave of working supervisor Joe O'Neil (effective 01/26/25), a lateral police transfer for Officer Matt Brooks of SUNY Albany, provisional appointments in the mayor's office and multiple part-time and seasonal appointments for recreation and school personnel.
Carissa Salvo, staff coordinator for the commission, told members that "all is in good order" for the DPW paperwork, the maintenance mechanic appointment and the other routine items presented during the action agenda. The commission voted on each item by voice; roll call earlier in the meeting showed Commissioners Joanna Zen Grando, Jeff Altamari and Chairperson Tim Holmes present.
Why it matters: These routine approvals keep multiple city operations staffed, from public safety to library services and school support, and set effective dates for several personnel changes that department managers said were needed for continuity.
Most important decisions
- Department of Public Works: Approved two noncompetitive class appointments (one maintenance mechanic and one working supervisor). The working supervisor position was filled by Joe O'Neil, who resumed the role effective Jan. 26, 2025; the commission noted the leave of absence approved in October had ended early. Motion: not specified; vote: unanimous (3 yes).
- DPW: Leave of absence for a heavy equipment operator approved. Motion: not specified; vote: unanimous (3 yes).
- DPW: Completion of probationary period for a DPW coordinator (described as having completed probation on the 16th). Motion: not specified; vote: unanimous (3 yes).
- Finance/IT: Approved completion of probationary period for a help desk technician. Motion: not specified; vote: unanimous (3 yes).
- Library: Approved two labor-class cleaner appointments and one noncompetitive building maintenance worker appointment. Motion(s): not specified; vote(s): unanimous (3 yes).
- Mayor's office: Approved provisional appointment of the administrator to the Office of Planning and Economic Development and a provisional administrative assistant. The administrator appointment was identified as effective Jan. 21 (provisional). Motion(s): not specified; vote(s): unanimous (3 yes).
- Public safety: Approved a lateral transfer for police officer Matt Brooks (identified as from SUNY Albany) after the department and civil service staff confirmed required qualifications and examinations were complete. Carissa Salvo noted the transfer process follows the civil service law procedures. Motion: not specified; vote: unanimous (3 yes).
- Recreation: Approved a provisional appointment of a program coordinator (effective Jan. 13) and multiple seasonal and part-time noncompetitive appointments (camp counselors, recreation assistants, recreation specialists). Motion(s): not specified; vote(s): unanimous (3 yes).
- Schools: Approved bulk noncompetitive appointments for part-time clerks, keyboard specialists, registered professional nurses, school bus drivers and a teacher aide; approved labor-class appointments for food service helpers and a school monitor; and approved completion of probationary periods for a keyboard specialist and a school monitor. Motion(s): not specified; vote(s): unanimous (3 yes).
Votes at a glance
The meeting record shows each motion was called, seconded and approved by voice with three "aye" responses following roll call that recorded three commissioners present. Individual motions were not recorded with named movers or seconders in the transcript. Where effective dates were discussed, they are reported as stated by staff: Joe O'Neil resumed the working supervisor role effective 01/26/25; at least one provisional mayor's-office appointment was effective Jan. 21; a recreation appointment was effective Jan. 13. Several probationary completions were described as having met 52-week requirements.
Process notes and references
Carissa Salvo, staff coordinator, repeatedly described the presented items as routine and "in good order." Several approvals were characterized as standard noncompetitive or provisional appointments, and the commission reserved agenda minutes from November 2024 for a future meeting because they were not circulated in time.
Ending
Commissioners moved through the action agenda with no public comments and adjourned after completing the personnel and appointment business. The commission's next scheduled meeting was listed on the agenda; the annual report deadline to the state was noted as March 1 for items derived from the payroll close of 12/31/24.
