CCP 07-31-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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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 thc Parks and Rccrcation 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 rcsponsibilities three ways. It also contemplates the possibility of incorporating the City Engineer position into the Public Works Director position, increasing our cngineering 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 Community 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 separately 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 potcntially increase the value of the Director position and hence the recruitmcnt pool of qualified candidates. City Administrator Michelle Wolfc recommended 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 Managcr position to oversee the recreation and park plarming areas; . Maintains thc City's current labor pool structure for completing maintenance related activities. . Councilmember Holden asked why the manager position would be namcd the Parks, Trails, and Recrcation 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 Rccrcation Supervisor position. Mayor Aplikowski said that it has been difficult for thc City to recruit and keep quality staff members for an cxtended 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 bc an individual that has good management and leadcrship skills. It is also important for the City to capitalize on the abilities of our current Recreation Supervisor. Councilmember Holden said that shc is comfortable with option C. She would like to have trails removed from the proposed Parks, Trails, and Recrcation Manager title. .