CCWS 07-10-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - JULY 10,2006 2 . by a position labeled Parks, Trails, and Recreation Manager, which reports to the Public Works Director. As envisioned this position operates similar to an Assistant Public Works Director responsible for managing parks and recreation. Equally important is that this structure contemplates future growth in that the Parks and Recreation Manager position can be upgraded to a Parks and Recreation Director in the future as needed. Chart D illustrates an option that splits parks, trails, and recreation responsibilities three ways. It also contemplates the possibility of incorporating the City Engineer position into the Public Works Director position, increasing our engineering expertise on staff. The Recreation Supervisor position would function as it currently does, except that the position would report directly to the City Administrator and not to the Public Works Director. The Conununity Development Department would handle parks and facilities planning. The labor pool would be maintained in the Public Works Department. The potential advantages are that it allows each of the three areas to be separatcly focused on, without having to add additional staff. Another potential advantage is that we may be able to add engineering expertise and experience to the staff, which would also potentially increase the value of the Director position and hence the recruitment pool of qualified candidates. City Administrator Michelle Wolfe rccommcnded Option C to the City Council on the basis of the following reasons: . Provides flexibility for the Public Works Department to grow in the future; . Proposes the creation of a Parks, Trails, and Recreation Manager position to oversee the . recreation and park planning areas; . Maintains the City's current labor pool structure for completing maintenance related activities. Councilmember Holden asked why the manager position would be named the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Manager. City Administrator Wolfe said that common terminology for this position is Parks and Recreation Manager. Councilmember Grant recommended that the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Manager be classified as a Rccreation Supervisor position. Mayor Aplikowski said that it has been difficult for the City to recruit and keep quality staff members for an extended period of time. It is important for the City to find the right person that meets the City's public works and recreation needs. City Administrator Wolfe said that the ideal candidate for the Public Works Director position would be an individual that has good management and leadership skills. It is also important for the City to capitalize on the abilities of our current Recreation Supervisor. . Councilmember Holden said that she is comfortable with option C. She would like to have trails removed from the proposed Parks, Trails, and Recreation Manager title. --- ---- ----