Waukesha HR Committee approves position adjustments tied to fleet reorganization

The Waukesha City Human Resources Committee unanimously approved changes to Parks, Recreation and Forestry staffing that officials say will align a department stockroom role with a citywide fleet reorganization and capture roughly 825 hours of non‑fleet duties.

Ron Grama, director of parks, recreation and forestry, told the committee the proposal moves the department stockroom position to the city garage under Public Works and adjusts two building‑maintenance positions to cover duties such as janitorial supplies, first‑aid and safety equipment, material handling, deliveries and general facility maintenance. "We felt this was a very cost effective way to deal with it and also address the direction and initiative of the fleet services reorganization," Grama said.

Grama said the department maintains more than 20 park shelters and six community buildings and that the current stockroom duties include monitoring emergency generators, handling podiums and chairs, and maintaining MSDS and cleaning supplies. Committee members pressed staff on whether the duties are already being performed; Grama confirmed they are part of the current stockroom role but differ from the Public Works stockroom by about 825 hours annually.

A committee member asked whether the budget can support the change. Staff answered that the reorganization's net savings offset the cost and that the city will seek further efficiencies through the budget process. Mike Christine also raised a training concern, urging that employees who assume expanded responsibilities receive appropriate safety and chemical‑handling training.

Christine moved to approve the item (ID 25‑01239) "as read and discussed." The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

The committee’s action implements the staffing changes recommended in staff materials and will be reflected in future budget planning and position control updates.