Personnel Committee Meeting – January 20, 2026

The Personnel Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives met on January 20, 2026, at 7:02 PM (hybrid format) to consider four agenda items. The committee unanimously approved an employment contract for the Assistant Chief of Police, a Clerk of the Works II contract, a third-party workers' compensation administration contract, and a revised pay plan based on a compensation study. Chair Carl Weinberg presided. All votes were 6-0.

Discussion Items

P32.004 – Employment Contract for Assistant Chief of Police Silas Red

• Presentation: Dr. Paula Russell (HR Director) outlined a two-year initial term with a two-year extension option; annual salary at Grade 6 Step 4 (~$173,529); participation in the police pension plan (not the defined contribution plan); city vehicle provided; and required exclusive employment with limited outside activities.
• Discussion:
  • Rep. Pollock asked about differences from the prior contract; Dr. Russell noted only date, term length, and salary changed, and the employee was satisfied after negotiations.
  • Chair Weinberg clarified that the assistant chief cannot receive both the police pension and the defined contribution plan.
  • Rep. Pavia confirmed there are two assistant chiefs, and this is the second contract; the previous one was three years plus a two-year extension, while the new one is two years plus a two-year extension.
• Outcome: Motion by Rep. Pollock, seconded by Rep. Pavia. Vote: 6-0 in favor.

P32.006 – Clerk of the Works II Contract with Michael Cepeda

• Presentation: Lou Castleow (City Engineer) explained that clerks of the works support capital projects as field inspectors and documenters. Rosemary Frager (HR) noted that City Ordinance 1082 excludes Clerk of the Works I and II from medical benefits; they are eligible for overtime over 40 hours/week with approval, and are paid from capital project budgets. The candidate, Michael Cepeda, holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering and has construction management experience; his rate is $46.23/hour.
• Discussion:
  • Rep. Gross asked about the difference between Clerk I and II (experience level) and the rationale for excluding benefits (rooted in ordinance, historically attracting retirees with own coverage).
  • Rep. Taylor Cruz expressed concern that the benefit exclusion might impede recruitment, but Frager reported 65 applications for a recent posting, indicating strong interest.
  • Rep. Pavia asked about work hours (full-time, flexible) and workers' compensation coverage (covered by city policy).
• Outcome: Motion to approve, vote: 6-0.

P32.007 – Workers' Compensation Claims Administration Contract with Corvell Enterprise Claims

• Presentation: David Pilva (Risk Management) presented a three-year contract with two one-year extension options for third-party administration of workers' comp claims for the city and Board of Education. Annual fees: Year 1 – $326,740; Year 2 – $321,092; Year 3 – $332,330. A $99,000 cap allows Corvell to begin services January 1, 2026, pending full board approval. Corvell was selected from four respondents due to competitive pricing and a mobile app. The city averages 500 claims/year with $8 million in payouts.
• Discussion:
  • Rep. Pollock asked about the TPA role and the app’s benefit.
  • Rep. Taylor Cruz requested comparative municipal data; Pilva said Corvell can provide it.
  • Rep. Sallas asked about permanent disability handling; Pilva explained state formulas and legal representation.
  • Rep. Gross asked about claim denial rates (vast majority accepted) and reason for switching from PMA (cost and technology).
  • Ex-officio Rep. Morrison inquired about satisfaction with the prior TPA; Pilva confirmed confidence in Corvell’s fairness.
  • Chair Weinberg asked about transition challenges (familiarity with city) – mitigation steps include meetings with departments and sharing job descriptions.
  • Rep. Walston asked about local office (none; claims by phone/app) and start date (already started under the cap).
• Outcome: Motion by Rep. Gross, seconded by Rep. Pollock. Vote: 6-0.

P32.005 – Revised Pay Plan Based on Compensation Study

• Presentation: Al Cava (consultant) presented a study commissioned in January 2025. The pay plan (last updated 2008) required biennial reviews. The study found Stamford’s pay plan salaries at the 33rd percentile of the municipal market, and severe internal compression: department heads earn only about 1% more than their direct reports. He recommended two 4% increases to the salary schedule on April 1, 2026 and April 1, 2027 for all full-time pay plan employees (excluding Clerk of the Works) to target the 75th percentile and address compression. The Personnel Commission and Board of Finance had already approved.
• Discussion:
  • Chair Weinberg questioned using maximums of peer ranges rather than midpoints or actuals; Cava defended consistency and noted all Stamford pay plan employees are at maximums.
  • Chair Weinberg also asked about not applying a multiplier for Stamford’s broader job scopes; Cava acknowledged the idea but believed the 8% adjustment is reasonable.
  • Rep. Gross asked about percentile calculation; Cava explained.
  • Rep. Pollock supported the study, citing Stamford’s size and diversity needing competitive pay.
  • Chair Weinberg and others discussed potential erosion from union increases (MAA ~3% vs. pay plan ~2.2%) but agreed the two 4% steps provide needed headroom. Biennial reviews are recommended.
• Outcome: Motion to approve, seconded. Vote: 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• All four agenda items were approved unanimously (6-0).
• The Assistant Chief of Police contract is effective upon signing.
• The Clerk of the Works II contract for Michael Cepeda is approved.
• The Corvell workers’ compensation contract commenced January 1, 2026 under a $99,000 cap, with full implementation following Board of Representatives approval.
• The pay plan will be revised with 4% increases on April 1, 2026 and April 1, 2027.