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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,June 10,2013 Page 13 ea of the City operations. Councilmember Laliberte stated that the ability to com- bine and share functions across all departments provided a more favorable option in her opinion. Councilmember Laliberte noted that this fell into other reorgani- zation efforts (e.g. communications) to free employees for other roles and find ef- ficiencies within the organization rather than funding an additional position in the overall effort to make things happen. Councilmember McGehee concurred that a volunteer coordinator was needed; however, she also questioned if the position was specific to the needs of the Parks & Recreation Department. In discussions related to community outreach and civ- ic engagement, Councilmember McGehee expressed interest in having a volunteer coordinator manage the volunteer resources for the City, encouraging the com- munity to volunteer in a variety of ways. Commission Holt advised that, in their research, the models used all started with a Parks & Recreation-focused group, and then expanded further. Commissioner Holt advised that the Parks & Recreation Commission had projects already de- fined and outlined, and would be the obvious place to start. Councilmember McGehee concurred with the comments and proposals outlined by Councilmember Laliberte for city-wide volunteer coordination. At the request of Councilmember Willmus, Parks & Recreation Director Brokke provided a comparison of FTE's in the Parks & Recreation Department now, at approximately 24.5 compared with several years ago at 27.5 and a total of 29 FTE within the last twenty (20) years, with that reduction occurring while increasing facilities and programs. In researching with the Ramsey County Library Volunteer Coordinator, Commis- sioner Diedrick noted their suggestion that one group be started initially to pro- vide a good, sound footing, such as with a pilot program first. Commissioner Gelbach noted that the Commission did not disagree that everyone needed a volunteer coordinator, he noted that the Parks & Recreation Department had approximately 2,700 volunteers today, and anticipated growth; and further noted that this area was already in place with systems and a process to begin the most effectively. Commissioner Gelbach opined that it provided a starting point, and could be expanded if and when other departments indicated a need, if could be expanded without waiting another year to hash out other needs. Councilmember Willmus noted his viewing of the presentation at last weeks' Commission meeting; and opined that if it was going to be implemented, it would be prudent to start in parks, given the thousands of people annually utilized by the Department throughout the community. Councilmember Willmus further opined that by having an extra person helping in that area it would save money for the