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Special City Council Strategic Planning Meeting <br />Saturday, February 7, 2009 <br />Page 8 <br />center's full analysis completed by the Oval Task Force, with the intent to follow <br />their recommendation to reduce that position from 1.5 FTE to .75 FTE. <br />^ Mr. Brokke noted that, the open positions would impact activity registration customer <br />service in skating center and parks administration functions; and also noted that one <br />retirement was in the Parks Maintenance function. <br />Mr. Brokke advised that the general plan to absorb these cuts would be to reorganize <br />operations to the least impact to clients; reconsider contracted services; and attempt <br />further increases in the Roseville volunteer network. Mr. Brokke noted that it was the <br />department's hope to become a leadership model for volunteers in the metropolitan area; <br />and to work with the Park and Recreation Commission to address some areas of service <br />to the skate park and nature center by utilizing volunteers in more comprehensive ways. <br />Mr. Brokke discussed general impacts and/or considerations for the department, <br />including: <br />^ Longer response times, creating more reactive rather than proactive situations <br />^ More time spent on definite projects and day-to-day operations, rather than in <br />building community interest <br />^ Reduced time for special projects (i.e., Scout projects; Buckthorn removal); focus on <br />day-to-day operations <br />^ Strategically limiting special community events, through reducing their number or <br />downsizing them <br />^ Revisit the City's Forestry Ordinance <br />^ Revisit off-road sidewalk plowing <br />^ A comprehensive identification of current and proposed program and service level <br />offerings to structurally adjust for future operations <br />^ Programming impacts similar to schools with increased class sizes, fewer divisions in <br />age-specific groups <br />Mr. Brokke recognized that there would be some impacts beyond the department's <br />control, including changes in interdepartmental cooperation, advising that the Parks and <br />Recreation Department couldn't do what they did without the support of the other City <br />departments (i.e., Administration for community space availability and coordination; <br />Emergency Response for special events; Public Works for diseased tree removal, plowing <br />parking lots; and many other cooperative efforts). <br />Mr. Brokke, noting the time of the year and gearing up for spring/summer programming, <br />asked that the City Council make a decision as soon as possible, given the logistical <br />issues that would need to be addressed accordingly. Mr. Brokke opined that, while the <br />history of the department has indicated reduced staffing levels, the demands and <br />expectations of the community has increased. <br />Mr. Brokke advised that he remained optimistic about trying something new and doing <br />his department's fair share to save money wherever possible; however, he advised that he <br />was interested in moving out of the "holding stage." Mr. Brokke cautioned <br />