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Committee approves nonbinding resolution urging action on DEC workplace culture after employees' testimony
Summary
A substitute resolution asking the mayor to pursue investigative or disciplinary actions and other employee-support measures at the Department of Emergency Communications passed the committee after extended debate and a read-in statement alleging mishandled HR processes.
The Public Health & Safety Committee voted to approve a substitute, nonbinding resolution calling on the mayor’s office and DEC leadership to address workplace culture and implement previously requested recommendations.
Sponsor Council member Stiles described the substitute as a request to implement items from the Olgutri Dickens report (2023) and to hold leadership accountable where appropriate. Stiles read a written statement from DEC dispatcher and trainer Hannah McGuire that described allegations of harassment by a coworker, long delays and perceived mishandling of HR grievance procedures and ongoing impacts on the employee’s work assignments. “Actions speak louder than words,” the statement read, urging council to “vote to protect your first responders.”
Several council members said they supported a public statement of support for affected employees but urged deference to civil service procedures and the findings of an outside investigator. Director Wally Dietz and Metro Legal told the committee an outside attorney (Luther Wright) is conducting an investigation and that the report should be available by the end of the calendar year. Dietz cautioned the council against calling for discipline outside civil service processes.
Council members ultimately approved the substitute on a show-of-hands vote: substitute 5 in favor, 1 opposed, 1 not voting. The item as substituted then passed the committee by the same margin.
The resolution is nonbinding and asks for a range of actions (compensation review for trainers, a FAQs strategy within 90 days, and that the appointing authority consider investigative or disciplinary steps), but does not itself impose disciplinary measures. Committee members said they filed the resolution to put the council on record in support of DEC employees while the independent investigation concludes.
