5.2. SR 06-14-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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O~anLTationa/ Structure June 14. 2004 Page 2 attached for your reference. I have generally thought that Elk River would move toward something similar to this Blaine model at some point in the future; but not immediately. However, moving directly to something similar to the Blame approach is an option for the Council to consider. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR The changes m Parks and Recreation are in progress. A director was hired on June 7, 2004 and will begin work for the city in july. This position will be officed at Lions Park Center (LPC) and the building improvements are nearly complete. The benefits for this organization change include two fewer direct reports to me and there will be better coordination of services and programs, which will result in better customer sen, ice. Additionally, there will be better supervision of the ice arena manager, recreation manager, and senior center director. The new director has more experience and expertise directly related to these work areas and will have more time than I have had to work directly with these employees and their issues. The cost to the city for this change includes some capital expenditures for LPC. In terms of annual operating expenses, the cost for wages/benefits for this new management position is an additional expense (approximately $90,000) to the budget. This cost is being incorporated into the budget over a two year period; whereby 50% is in the 2004 budget and 100% of the expense will show up in the 2005 budget. PUBLIC I~/ORKS DIRECTOR CITY IrNGINEERING DEPARTMENT The public works director position is tied closely to the establishment of a city Engineering Deparnnent. I came away from the April 12 meeting with the understanding that the City Council wanted to pursue this director position and Engineering Department, but this likely would not be an immediate change due to cost concerns and the need to further evaluate the expenses and revenues associated with this type of operation. In this regard, I discussed with the Council the need to expand Terry Maurer's role (and time) at City Hall witlmut a substantial cost increase. The need for a city Engineering Department, which includes approximately three technicians and clerical support, has increased with the start of the pavement management program. Additionally, the ciu, now has office space to house an Engineering Department. Work for a cit-5, engineer and an Engineering Department will grow once the department is established but initially will include such items as the following: · Implement the city pavement management program · Review of plats and site plans · Preparation and review of Planning Commission and City Council material · Attendance at staff meetings · Preparation of drawings for construction projects · Construction administration for public and private improvements · Special reports such as working on the city assessment manual and city design standards S:~Council\Pat~2004~ Organizational061404.doc