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CC 2017-11-14_12a Supplemental No 1MEMORANDUM TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: SHERIDAN BOHLKEN, INTERIM RECREATION SERVICES DIRECTOR SUBJECT: SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AGENDA ITEM 12.a-NOVEMBER 14, 2017 CITY COUNCIL MEETING CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE REORGANIZATION OF THE RECREATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT DATE: NOVEMBER 14, 2017 Attached is correspondence received today regarding the above referenced agenda item. cc: City Manager City Attorney City Clerk Public Review Binder From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: James Guthrie Tuesday, November 14,-2017 11 :42 AM Jim Hill; Kristen Barneich; Caren Ray; Tim Brown; Barbara Harmon Jim Bergman; Kelly Wetmore Reorganization of the Recreation department Honorable Mayor and Council : For the most part, I agree that the reorganization of the Recreation Department will bring more clarity to the operation and improve lines of responsibility. I do have a couple of concerns and a few quibbles. My primary concern is that this is a status quo decision and this is not a time for the status quo. In the future, if you choose to change the scope of recreation services you will find that the fixed cost of the administrative positions you add now will reduce if not eliminate any savings. My second concern is the maintenance of the Recreation Director in the organization chart. I realize that you are not actually making the decision to fill the position tonight but I could almost write the staff report where is says on 11/14/2017 the council approved the position of Recreation Director and we are proud to announce the appointment of Here are a few quibbles; Why is youth wrestling a special priority? Is there adult recreation other than Soft Ball and could it be more like little league and just be a facility allocation? What is unique about the BBQ, park rentals and the community gardens that they are administered by the Administrative Secretary? The Volunteer program coordinator position is still on the chart but the staff report suggests that it will be absorbed by the Recreation director? The staff report references the change from full-time Administrative Sectary as a cost-saving measure, but there is a little more to it than that. The primary reason for eliminating the position was that she was willing to retire and several other employees salaries were relocated to her duties. I doubt they actually performed them but it made other areas of the recreation department appear more cost-effective. _ The wolf is not at the door as it was in in 2008-09 but he is in the vicinity. You will be making a number of difficult choices in the next budget cycles and the more choices and clarity you have the better. This reorganization brings some clarity but probably reduces your choices. I would recommend adding the full-time Administrative sectary and ask staff to consider the reorganization as part of the next budget cycle and at least consider eliminating the Recreation Director. 10-15 years ago we did not have on a director and if I remember correctly it was another reorganization that brought it about. Today, and in the future, there will be less city-sponsored recreation and the department should reflect that. Jim Guthrie 1