04-22-2002 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 7 April 22, 2002 OPERATION. COUNCILMEMBER K-UESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. The Council recessed at 7:25 and moved to the training room for a joint meeting with the Park and Recreation Commission. Joint Meeting with Park and RecreatiogiCommission Park and Recreation Commission Members Present: Commissioners Dave Briggs, Dawn Polston-Hork, Dave Anderson, Duane Peterson, John Kuester, and Tim Sladek Staff Present: Street/Park Superintendent Phil Hals, Recreation Director Michele Bergh, Assistant Street/Park Superintendent Mark Thompson, City Administrator Pat Klaers, Director of Planning Michele McPherson and City Clerk Sandra Peine The Council reconvened at 7:35 pm. Mike Nijolek gave a presentation relafng to environmental issues. The presentation focused on the preservation of the ecosystem. Michele McPherson introduced the topics of discussion, which included formation of a Park and Recreation Department, regulations of off-road vehicles, and the YMCA. 1. Formation of a Park and R¢<reation Department Discussion pertaining to the draft Park and Recreation Commission j6b description for a park and recreation director, the need for staff reorganization if a director is hired, and budget constraints ensued. Commissioner Duane Peterson stated that the Park and Recreation Commission would like to see the position as a 2003 budget request. Commissioner Peterson discussed the Park and Recreation Commission's reasons for wanting to implement a Park and Receeation Department and to hire a director. Commissioner Peterson indicated that the need has to do with how fast things are moving in the City, the need to look at different ways of replacing revenue streams, and the need to preserve land. He stated that the Comm/ssion feels that the need for someone to oversee these issues is critical. Commissioner Tim Sladek indicated that hiring this position would combine many other departments allowing them to focus on their specific department needs. He indicated that the position could also address the issue of tree preservation. Councilmember Motin submitted a memo expressing his concerns relating to this issue. Mayor Klinzing reviewed Councilmerrlber Morro's concerns. Councilmember Motin's memo indicated that he does not believe that the time is right for adding this position. He states that he would prefer to wait until the building expansion is completed. Mayor Klinzing stated that she concurs with Councilmernber Motin. She stated that the position will cost about $100,000 and feels it should be a planned budget item. Mayor Fdinzing indicated that the city hall project needs to be complgted prior to hiring the position. Mayor Klinzing indicated that the Council could consider the position during the 2003 budgeting process with the understanding that it may no{ happen in 2003. She indicated that she would prefer to see more background in natural sciences be a minimum qualification of the position. Councilmember Tveite stated that the !management part of the job description should be addressed by increasing the amount oS experience required. Councilmember Tveite stated that he also thought it may be too early to hire at this time.