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Special City Council Meeting Thursday,May 22, 2014 Page 7 Mayor Roe recessed the meeting at approximately 6:38 p.m. and reconvened at approximately 6:41 p.m. Parks & Recreation Director Lonnie Brokke Mr. Brokke provided a brief overview of 2015 budget priorities for the four budg- et areas in the Department, and new initiatives, including completion of Park Re- newal Program projects. Mr. Brokke noted that, with the new facilities coming online, additional funds in the park maintenance area was indicated, as well as potential land acquisition if completed as scheduled. Mr. Brokke noted his recommendation for reinstatement of the park supervisor position, reinstatement of custodial staffing for the Skating Center (RSC) and Harriet Alexander Nature Center (HANC), and two new posi- tions for a Forester and Recreation Programmer. With additional revenues from new facilities and/or programming, Mr. Brokke estimated a 75% cost recovery to add the Recreation Programmer position. Mr. Brokke noted the anticipated $15,000 additional impact in seasonal recreation staff and skating center position due to recent legislative action increasing minimum wage. Mr. Brokke noted that it was typical for the Department to have up to three In- terns on an annual basis; and while they had been non-paid to this point and the City had been fortunate to obtain good interns, it was found that most organiza- tions paid a minimal stipend, and recommended that the City do so as well. Mr. Brokke noted the high level of use for the park system, and noted the inclu- sion in the Department's strategic plan the intent to increase staffing as build-out continued with the Park Renewal Program. Mr. Brokke reviewed the individual position recommendations and their areas of responsibility: • Park Supervisor: Project coordination and research/analysis • Custodial: While having moved contractually with parts of this former posi- tion, Mr. Brokke opined that those areas (RSC and HANC) had suffered, and with new park buildings coming on line, the need would be even more evi- dent. • Forester: Mr. Brokke noted that this would be a new position, and was justi- fied by the increased needs with EAB, providing community contact and ad- vice, and the need for services provided by the current part-time position to become more consistent and timely. Mr. Brokke noted that the addition of natural resource efforts, as part of the Parks Renewal Program and community interests, would also be part of this position, along with the recent City Coun- cil discussions related to tree preservation and replacement. • Recreation Programmer: As an active community with high participation lev- els, and as new buildings and facilities come on line, Mr. Brokke noted that an obvious increase in recreation programming would surely follow, justifying this position.