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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — AUGUST 19, 2024 3 Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen replied that the trail plan would continue. This person would coordinate closely with the consultant. He and Assistant Public Works Director Miller would still be involved from the technical level. The parks person will have the visionary enthusiasm to help produce the long-term planning for the trails. Mayor Grant summarized that the parks and rec position would take a fair amount of the work off current staff. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen confirmed. He stated they supplement the parks department, as best they can. There is a quality of service that is lost when staff is spread so thin across other divisions. The service quality would be improved by adding this position. Councilmember Fabel pointed out that many cities similar in size have a full-time Parks Manager position. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen confirmed. The list he provided was not cherry picked. Most cities have a separate Parks and Public Works departments. Councilmember Holden wondered if natural resource management would include buckthorn and evasive species management. She asked how he envisions this position taking on these duties. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said the latest parks maintenance policy was done in 2010. In that master plan each park is listed with what level of service each park requires. The person in this position would make sure that policy is followed. This would include working with Public Works staff to assist in managing issues such as buckthorn or contracting for services, as required per the parks maintenance policy. Councilmember Holden asked why rain gardens are listed under the parks. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said there is a cross connection between the basic functions of a rain garden. These are both a parks landscaping feature, as well as a Public Works storm facility. There are a lot of larger rain gardens within the parks. This position will lead the maintenance of the rain gardens. The City used to send out flyers and notices to residents to help guide them on how to maintain the raingardens in their yards. This position will ensure that program gets built back up and then manage it and get it back on a cycle. Councilmember Monson understands that Council is asking for a lot of things surrounding parks. It is time for the community to invest in the parks and natural resources. Having someone who can be focused and give their attention to those topics in a way that the residents want is an appropriate ask. The maintenance lead positions are appropriate, too. She thinks the cost for the consultants may be too much. She thinks it may need to be looked at closer and some of the items may need to roll to next year. Councilmember Holden is not against the proposed changes. She keeps hearing about a parks plan that council wants and she doesn't remember there being any real discussion regarding a master plan. She knows there have been piecemeal discussions on one or two items. She asked about the job description. It states, "manages recreation staff program". She would like to see the current programs enhanced and developed, for example, having a summer program at Arden Manor. Those kids can't get to Perry Park or Lake Johanna.