CC_Minutes_2013_1028 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday, October 28, 2013 Page 11 ance of those departments due to their previous work with volunteers. Coun- cilmember Willmus questioned if the Administration Department would be able to provide that same knowledge base. Mayor Roe noted the extensive number of volunteers and groups who have pro- vided their services for many years in Roseville; and clarified that creating this Coordinator position was not about creating volunteers. Parks & Recreation Director Brokke expressed the City's appreciation for its vol- unteers, noting that the City couldn't do what it did without them, estimating that approximately 2,600 volunteers had been identified annually, providing an esti- mated 27,000 hours in the parks, recreation programs, coaches, adopt-a-park pro- gram, and special events. Of that number, Mr. Brokke noted that some were one- time volunteers, and some volunteered in multiple areas. Mr. Brokke further not- ed that currently approximately 80% to 90% of the City's park system was adopt- ed out to various groups and/or individuals in neighborhoods throughout the City; further adding to those services and numbers. Mr. Trudgeon noted that, while there was a great need in the Parks & Recreation Department, and flexibility was available with where to locate the position; he recommended locating the position in the Administration Department to provide the accurate perception that it is a visible, city-wide service, and not affiliated with any one department. While supporting getting something initiated based on the huge demand for management of Parks & Recreation volunteers, Mr. Trudg- eon asked that the position could morph into a city-wide transition over time, but it was important now to get someone on board to manage the city's volunteer workforce. In her review of the information provided from the City of Plymouth, Coun- cilmember McGehee observed the various and interesting areas for volunteers (e.g. translation opportunities within the Police Department, and Environmental Research). Councilmember McGehee expressed her awareness of the number of older residents in the community interested in volunteering and performing cleri- cal work at City Hall. While recognizing the established format already available in the Parks & Recreation Department, Councilmember McGehee supported the civic engagement aspect, and therefore supported establishing the position in the Administration Department, even though the bulk of the position may be specifi- cally related to the Parks & Recreation Department needs initially. Councilmem- ber McGehee noted the need to avoid pigeon-holing the position to one depart- ment, when volunteers could also be used for their expertise in grant writing and facilities meetings, as just two examples. Councilmember Laliberte thanked Mr. Trudgeon for the detailed description in the RCA and for his research. While the City was already tracking volunteers for various departments, Councilmember Laliberte noted that the position could serve as an organizational gateway for a person coming into the City and becoming in-