Eric Browning

The meeting included the approval of the current agenda and the election of new co-chairs for the board. During public comments, an Engineer-Architect expressed concern regarding the perceived lack of transparency and insufficient staff feedback solicited concerning proposed rule changes, specifically Rule 9. The board proceeded with a public hearing on the continuation of Career Service Rule 9: Pay Administration, ultimately approving the proposed changes with the omission of section 9-71 pertaining to the standard work week. The Executive Director provided an update on the city's layoff plan, noting the status of severance agreement returns and the number of appeals received. The Director also mentioned the non-occurrence of the City Spirit employee appreciation event due to fund reappropriation. The board agreed to cancel the October meeting due to executive absences. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel matters, including a vote on the written order for the case Andrews, Bridget vs. Denver Sheriff Department.

The meeting included a recognition of a departing board member for dedicated service. The Public Hearings section covered proposed changes to prevailing wages for the 'Custodian I and Custodian II' classifications and the 'Window Cleaner' classification, utilizing Service Employees International Union contractual rates. Classification Notice No. 1631 involved creating a new classification, 'Animal Shelter Administrative Support Supervisor,' and establishing new corresponding pay grades. Classification Notice No. 1633, concerning the Environmental Public Health Investigator Series, was deferred for additional analysis. In pending cases, the Board affirmed Hearing Officer decisions regarding appeals for Wayne Jochem and Steven Crews, and for Abbey Ellis remanded the matter for penalty review. During the executive session, several Office of Human Resources issues were discussed, and the Board granted the Agency's Motion to Dismiss the appeal for David Niemeyer while affirming the decision for Meleaha Glapion-Pressley.

The meeting included the approval of the current agenda and the minutes from the October 20, 2022 meeting. Key discussions centered on the appointment of LaNee Reynolds as the second Co-Chair for the Career Service Board. The Director's Briefing featured an overview and strategy presentation on the OHR Internship Program by Nicole Kim and Julia Nelson. Topics covered included the program's purpose, outcomes, current state, academic partnerships, successes (such as 188 interns hired and high diversity rates), and future opportunities like enhancing tracking, shifting to a top-down approach, and increasing development workshops. Board members provided input regarding Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and improving community outreach. The Board also entered an executive session to address OHR and Hearing Office matters, where they granted an extension of time for the Petition to Review in the Paula Schmitt vs Community Planning and Development appeal.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding a request by the Office of Human Resources (OHR) to release early from the annual classification and compensation moratorium, specifically from February 1 instead of March 1, due to the absence of a merit program this year. The board discussed concerns about proper notice for this exception to the established rules. Additionally, an update was provided on the Workplace Safety and Industrial Hygiene classification study, which involved job shadowing to review classification changes for certain roles, with recommendations anticipated in April. A report on collective bargaining status followed, detailing the impact of the recent ballot initiative granting collective bargaining rights, noting that negotiated agreements will supersede career service rules where conflicts arise. Finally, a citywide employee turnover review was presented, showing that total voluntary turnover for 2025 was 12%, costing approximately $31.44 million, and that senior leadership had the highest impact on employee decisions to leave. The Executive Director's briefing noted several retirements within OHR and introduced new leadership appointments.

Blueprint Denver is a citywide land use and transportation plan designed to create an inclusive city by 2040. It establishes a framework for planning and implementing complete neighborhoods and a comprehensive multimodal transportation network. The plan focuses on six vision elements: equitable, affordable, and inclusive communities; an economically diverse and vibrant city; connected, safe, and accessible places; healthy and active living; strong and authentic neighborhoods; and environmental resilience. It addresses critical themes such as equity, urban design, water, and climate, guiding future investments to improve quality of life for all residents.