2. PRSR 01-06-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo to the Park and Recreation Commission Park and Recreation Direccor Special Meeting January 6, 2004 Page 2 The Park Foreman would office in Lions Park Center along with the director and other recreation staff. The Commission should note that the Facility Coordinator identified in the 2001 report has been hired. Location Lions Park Center is the home to the recreation department at this time. The office space was designed with the thought that a director would be hired at some time in the future. The director needs to be located in the same building as the staff that they are going to be supervising. While parks and planning need to work together, the Park and Recreation Director does not need to be located in City Hall. The internal review process is such that the director would be included in all meetings regarding development. In addition, the current Planning staff has enough familiarity with the Park Plan to be able to advocate the Commission's position with developers when necessary. The park planner is utilized often by off-site staff for specialized projects. In addition, it is unlikely for the director to be assigned non-park related items from the City Administrator if they are located off-site. Job Description Review of the job description is a key component to the hiring process. All applications will be evaluated based on the qualifications identified in the description, both minimum and preferred. Some things to consider include: Type of degree - is one preferred over another? Years of experience -minimum and preferred Type of experience Location of applicant (Minnesota applicants may have an edge due to their familiarity with the state laws) While line staff applications are often evaluated based on a "point scale", department head level positions are evaluated based on the qualifications listed in the job description. Ckher items that are evaluated include whether the person is making an advancement or a lateral move in their career, if they have been unemployed or out of the profession for a period of time, or other "subjective" items. The key is having a thorough and detailed description of the job and minimum/preferred qualifications as the basis of the evaluation to cull applicants. Hiring Process At the department head level, the process utilized has typically included a selection committee of two commissioners, two Councilpersons, and two staff. Occasionally, a professional "headhunter" has been utilized to review applicants on behalf of the city. The two staff are present to provide support, reference material, and an occasional opinion; the do not vote. The Commissioners and Councilpersons make the recommendation to the Council which then approves the hiring. The director will be reporting to the City Administrator and working ultimately for the City Council. It will not be possible for the S:\PLANNING\Michele McPherson\PARKNREC\Depanment Investigation\12 22 03 memo to P & R.doc