HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/09/1988City Council Work Session
February 9, 1988
6:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
Roll Call: Mayor McKinley, Dell, Angel, Buck, Wright, Budak,
Brown, Fox.
Mayor McKinley stated that the purpose of the meeting was to hear
discussion on the reorganization of the Park and Recreation
Commissions. This opportunity presents itself due to the
resignation of Bob Brooks, Director of Parks. He emphasized
that, contrary to what some may think, a decision has not been
made by the Council to definitely reorganize. Only after a
thorough study of the issue will the Council make a decision.
Mergers of City Departments have been a recommendation of the
City Council Reorganization Committee and various Citizens'
Budget Review Committees. Currently, the City structure has
nineteen Department Heads who report directly to the Mayor.
Jim Rodemeyer summarized the five options for Council
consideration including:
1. Maintain separate Departments --maintain a separate Park
Board and Recreation Commission.
2. Maintain separate Departments --merge the Park Board and
Recreation Commissions.
3. Merge the two Departments into a Park and Recreation
Division --merge the Park Board and Recreation Commission.
4. Merge the two Departments into a Park and Recreation
Division --maintain a separate Park Board and separate
Recreation Commission.
5. Any of the other options with relocation of one or more of
the current Park functions to a different Department.
Councilperson Angel complimented the Personnel Department on the
development of a comprehensive report concerning this matter.
Mike Zegarac, representing the Park Board and the Senior Citizen
Golfers, presented his objections to the proposed merger. He
reiterated his strong and intense feelings on this subject and
recommended that the Council appoint one of the current park
personnel to the Director's position. He stated that the Park
Board has operated well within budget restraints and still has
maintained a high level of service for park users.
Ray Richardson, representing the Recreation Commission, stated
that the Commission did not have a recommendation on this matter
but would support the decision of the City Council. He addressed
several concerns contained in the Park Department's letter to the
Council concerning the merger idea. He stated that he was not
sure whether the Park Board is familiar with the activities of
the Recreation Center and that it is a body that serves
many individuals within the community.
Frank Wagner, President of the Senior Golf League, asked that the
Council not fix something that is not broken. He stated that it
would be difficult for one person to handle the affairs of both
Departments.
Jan Guthrie, representing Green Scene, conveyed her concerns that
the tree planting program of the City Forester not be jeopardized
in a merger action.
City Council Work Session
February 9, 1988
Page 2
Dan Yates, President of the Waterloo Indians, asked that the
Council consider keeping the two Departments separate.
Frank Wagner suggested that the City institute a one cent sales
tax to assist the City in its deficit.
Councilperson Brown asked for an explanation on the apparent
overlap of duties between Departments in the maintenance of
baseball diamonds. It was explained that the Departments closely
coordinate this activity and that the Recreation Commission
maintains the infield and the Park Commission maintains the
outfield. Since the Recreation Commission is familiar with the
programming on the fields, they know when the infield must be
dragged. This is one of the many cooperative efforts between the
two Departments.
Councilperson Dell stated that a merger action was not
necessarily being looked at in terms of dollars to be saved, but
wise utilization of existing personnel. Mayor McKinley also
clarified the situation by stating that it is the Council's
responsibility to insure the overall efficiency of City staff.
Councilperson Fox thanked Leonard Katoski, former Director of the
Park Board, for the quality of parks in our community.
Mike Zegarac reported that the Park Commission is undertaking a
marketing plan to promote the use of City parks and golf courses.
Councilperson Buck suggested that the Park Department be renamed
to "Parks and Open Spaces" to reflect their focus on other
aspects of park development and maintenance.
Russ Garling, member of the Park Board, reported that the Park
Department is reviewing alternative revenue sources.
Chris Robertson, Cedar Falls, stated that if one Board is formed,
it may have a lopsided emphasis in either of the two areas.
Councilperson Dell reiterated that the Council has not made a
decision on this matter yet and that as times change, the City
must be concerned with efficiency in managing its personnel.
Mayor McKinley announced that the following persons will meet on
Tuesday, February 16, 1988 at 4:00 p.m. to prepare a
recommendation to the City Council: Ray Richardson, Gene Yagla,
Councilperson Dell, Councilperson Budak, Jim Rodemeyer and Sheryl
Annette.
No official action was taken on this matter. With no further
business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.
Larry P. Burger
Clerk/Auditor