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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,December 8,2014 Page 22 cussion on the proposed full-time forestry position now before voting on the 2015 budget. Councilmember Laliberte sought clarification on how the position would be used, under which department would it be located, whether hiring would be at the beginning of 2015 or mid-year, and whether or not the budget could be adjust- ed accordingly, similar to the Volunteer Coordinator hiring mid-year. City Manager Trudgeon advised that staffs preference would be to get the posi- tion up and running as soon as possible if funded in the 2015 budget, especially with emphasis on development projects already underway and those anticipated in the spring of 2015. While still under his review, Mr. Trudgeon advised that he anticipated the full-time forestry position as a shared position with the initial thought to have it housed in the Parks and Recreation Department as is the current part-time position and based on their institutional knowledge. Mr. Trudgeon ad- vised that the current position helped with the park system and street trees as well; and he saw that role expanded to work on development projects. Mr. Trudgeon clarified that there would be a lot of coordinated needed between the Parks & Recreation, Community Development, and Public Works/Engineering Depart- ments as well as with new landscaping projects. Mr. Trudgeon expressed his and staff's disappointment, along with that of the public and City Council, with past projects; and opined that a full-time position would help address those issues. At this point, Councilmember McGehee questioned whether she would support the full-time forestry position at all, unless it was properly managed. Coun- cilmember McGehee stated that she had not been happy with the past program, not because it was only a part-time position, but based on her interpretation of what was needed for a forester to address, such as natural areas in the community rather than exclusive use for park renewal program-related issues. Councilmem- ber McGehee further opined that the City's Public Works Department could not and should not be asked to maintain street trees when not properly planted or maintained; however, she did think the forester position should be available to as- sist the Public Works Department in storm water ponds and drainage issues as re- lated to trees, since trees were a big part of that as well as the development piece. As part of the consideration, Councilmember McGehee noted that portions of the position could be charged to developers, but consideration also was needed to make sure storm water was kept on properties versus roads. Councilmember McGehee noted that this would require uniform management among three differ- ent groups from three different directions; and stated that she would reserve judgment on whether or not to support a full-time forester position or use of a contract service as needed. City Manager Trudgeon reminded the City Council that the full-time forester po- sition is proposed for funding from the Parks & Recreation Depai[went and 50% from the Community Development Department; but would be subject to change if found different during practical use. Mr. Trudgeon further noted that the position may need adjusting further to make sure the position and funds realized as part of