New Orleans Civil Service Commission Meeting - January 14, 2026

The New Orleans Civil Service Commission met on January 14, 2026, to address a disciplinary appeal, a proposed transfer of parking, towing, and ground transportation units from the Department of Public Works (DPW) to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), and several routine business items. The meeting included public testimony from affected employees and a representative of the firefighters, followed by a vote on the transfer.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Aaron Mischler (representing the firefighters) spoke in support of the transfer, stating that the current chain of command creates delays that hinder emergency response, such as blocked fire hydrants and fire stations. He urged approval for public safety efficiency.
• Brian Joseph (tow truck driver) expressed concern that background checks for the transfer would disqualify many employees with criminal records, noting that "the majority of us" have records. He also requested that existing employees be allowed to work more hours and be given police radios for direct communication.
• Tamika Davis (DPW employee) stated that the units are not just sitting at the pound but actively serving the public, and that the real issue is a communication barrier, not a need for a merger. She felt the process has been a "control issue" and that employees were not consulted.
• Leander Kraft (towing supervisor, 17 years) feared losing his job due to background checks and argued that the units already have a good relationship with NOPD. He requested more time to study the plan, warning that good employees will be lost.
• Takisha Feast (section supervisor, 28 years) noted that communication with NOPD Captain Buddy Mishou has improved recently, making the current arrangement work. She said staffing is the real need, not a transfer.
• Valerie Petty (parking administrator) stated that 93% of the parking division are single mothers working eight-hour shifts, and they fear being forced into 12-hour shifts under NOPD. She also reported that the unit's budget had already been transferred to NOPD before the vote, causing payroll issues.
• Delicia Creighton (Ground Transportation Bureau administrator) echoed staffing concerns, noting that the bureau has only four office staff to handle nearly 1,800 school buses and other permits. She said the issue is staffing, not efficiency or enforcement.

Discussion Items

• Continuance Denial for Mr. Griffin: The commission considered a request for a continuance from Mr. Griffin, who was absent and cited lack of legal representation. The appointing authority confirmed no attorney had been confirmed. Commissioner Korn moved to deny the continuance and grant summary disposition, noting Mr. Griffin was a probationary employee with limited appeal rights. The motion passed unanimously.
• Transfer of Units from DPW to NOPD (Item 5): Chief Ann Kirkpatrick presented the request, stating that the transfer would improve efficiency for special events (over 100 per year) by eliminating the need to coordinate through another department. The transfer would affect 74 parking and towing employees and 18 ground transportation employees. They would be placed under the NOPD Traffic Division, overseen by Captain Buddy Mishou. Chief Kirkpatrick acknowledged past opposition but said the city council and mayor directed the move. Key concerns raised included background checks (felony disqualification), job security, and potential loss of experienced staff. The commission heard that employees unable to transfer due to background issues would remain in DPW in a small unit until attrition, preserving their jobs. The commission also discussed the need for a formal plan, better communication with leaders, and a pay study for hard-to-fill positions. The motion to approve the transfer was made and seconded. One commissioner abstained, and the motion carried.
• Business Agenda Items: The commission approved the following unanimously:
  • Minutes from December 12, 2025.
  • Ratification of Public Integrity Bureau extension requests.
  • Rule amendment (Item 3A) to Rule 2, Sections 4.9, 4.11, 5, and 11.1 regarding alternative dispute resolution, with a slight amendment to allow enforcement motions to be brought before the commission.
  • Rule amendment (Item 3B) to Rule 2, Section 8.1 extending the subpoena request deadline from 15 to 10 days before a hearing.
  • Approval of examination announcements (11459–11463), noting that most positions are at the airport due to the city-wide hiring freeze.
  • Approval of provisional appointments in accordance with Rule 6, Section 5.3A, allowing extensions beyond one year.

Key Outcomes

• Mr. Griffin's Appeal: Continuance denied; summary disposition granted (unanimous).
• Transfer of Units: Approved (vote: 2 in favor, 0 against, 1 abstention). The NOPD is expected to develop an operational plan, include leaders in planning, and ensure job security for employees unable to transfer.
• Routine Business: All items approved unanimously.
• Next Steps: The commission directed the NOPD to create a written plan, engage with affected employees, and consider a compensation study for hard-to-fill classifications. The meeting adjourned after the business agenda.