Agenda - Council - 09/24/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Mayor LeTourneau asked for input related to the procedure that occurred at the last meeting where a vote of 3-2 was made against the position. City Administrator Ulrich stated that discussion occurred with the City Attorney and because the item was considered no action, the item can be returned to a regular Council meeting and does not require a vote of reconsideration. Councilmember Musgrove asked for input on the 20 hours per week for this position and the needs of the public works administrative assistant. She stated that it appears that this position would require 20 hours per week and wanted to ensure that there would not be additional hours needed. Administrative Services Director Lasher explained that this position would work 20 hours per week and no more, any backup to the public works administrative assistant would occur within those 20 hours. Councilmember Heinrich asked if the parks and recreation budget would have a higher budgeted line item in the 2020 budget than fire. City Administrator Ulrich stated that this item was included in both the 2019 and 2020 budgets but noted that he would need to review the proposed budget in terms of comparison of line items. Councilmember Heinrich thanked the members of the community that have reached out to her following the last discussion of this item. She noted that she will be voting in support of the comments she has received based on the priority of budget items. Motion by Councilmember Kuzma, seconded by Councilmember Riley, to Adopt Resolution #19-189 to Backfill the Vacant Part -Time Recreation Specialist Position. Further discussion: Councilmember Riley stated that he found it interesting that Councilmember Heinrich has received negative comments. He noted that he has received comments of support as many residents and visitors of the community have interactions with the parks. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she will be opposing the vote not because she does not support parks and recreation but in support of the comments that she has received and because she wants to ensure that programing is offered at a cost recovered by the users. Mayor LeTourneau noted that parks programing is a part of the Strategic Plan and desires of the community. He stated that the expansion of the recreational programing has been requested by the community. He noted that he received many comments from residents who did not understand how the City would not support recreational programing He explained that without this position, that programing for the community would not be possible. He stated that one element in this coming back for consideration was the development of a plan for programing and how that can be evaluated, which is included in the work plan provided in tonight's case. He stated that the community continues to grow, and he believes that people want to continue to connect with other members of the community in the parks. Councilmember Heinrich stated that there was discussion related to prioritization of the parks programing tonight but noted that decisions were not made. Mayor LeTourneau confirmed that the work needed would be a City Council / September 10, 2019 Page 6 of 16