11-14-22-R (amended) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — OCTOBER 17, 2022 5 City Administrator Perrault indicated they have a Public Works seasonal in mind that they feel would be a good fit, but the schedule would be evenings and weekends and they aren't sure if he will be willing. He explained it would be a winter seasonal position in the Public Works department. Normally there are between 8-12 rink attendants. They could hire the Public Works seasonal in place of that, and that job would be to unlock and lock the warming houses, turn the lights on and off, keep the rinks clear, and supplement with other Public Works duties. There wouldn't be a person at the rink the entire time it's open, but this person could be a roving rink attendant. Councilmember Holden thought one person wouldn't want to work seven days a week, so they should hire two. City Administrator Perrault said they would like to do this administratively and patchwork it together, but hiring 12 rink attendants was probably not possible. Discussion ensued regarding ways the positions are advertised and the lack of applicants. Councilmember Holmes felt they didn't need an attendant at the warming houses other than to open them and turn on the lights etc. City Administrator Perrault stated that the person they had in mind may not want to work the proposed schedule, but if he agrees they could hire one or two other attendants for the weekends and the Public Works seasonal could cover the evening shift. Councilmember Holden said she thought the most important rinks were at Freeway and Hazelnut parks. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen added that Perry Park was also used often. Councilmember Holden thought the summer playground leaders may be a source for weekend rink attendants. City Administrator Perrault stated the next item to discuss was Recreation programming. Staff reviewed programming and believes they can continue with many of the outside instructor led classes such as fencing, yoga, dance, etc. However, the programming that requires seasonal hiring, training, and oversight presents issues. While they are hopeful to have a Recreation Supervisor on -board by mid -November, they still need to work on the development of programming that starts the beginning of January. This mainly consists of before and after school programming, camps, one-time events like snowshoeing, and ice-skating lessons. If they continue these programs, they would need to start looking for seasonals late October and early November; however, they need to identify and have these programs planned for a Winter Rec Guide. Shoreview is running their Island Lake program and willing to let Arden Hills send people to register with them. He anticipates not holding before and after school programming at Valentine Hills, skating lessons or events such as gingerbread house decorating, letters to Santa, or breakfast with Santa. Councilmember Holmes suggested they follow the same types of programs they did last year.