Bridgeport charter commission narrows civil service redlines, approves reemployment-list change

The Bridgeport Charter Commission met in the evening to continue its review of proposed redline changes to Chapter 17 of the city charter, focusing discussion on which positions should be treated as unclassified mayoral appointees, how the city's reemployment list should work, and how appointments and notice provisions will be handled.

The meeting opened with staff entering three exhibits: the civil service chapter redline (Exhibit 1), a recommendation from Councilwoman Michelle Lions (Exhibit 2), and Draft 8 (Exhibit 3). A staff presenter walked commissioners through edits that convert gendered pronouns to neutral language, correct typographical errors, and consolidate cross-references. The presenter noted a formatting issue in the posted redline and reviewed specific proposed text changes for page 3 (clerks) and the finance section on the city treasurer.

Much of the meeting centered on the distinction between classified and unclassified service. Staff described a proposed list of unclassified, mayoral-appointee positions (including superintendent-level and certain chief or director roles) and explained that positions requiring state certification would remain subject to statutory qualification. Commissioners expressed concern that, as the…