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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />OCTOBER 14, 2015 <br />opportunities. He indicated that achieving this work will require a <br />process. <br />Keis also noted that there has been some discussion about conducting a <br />survey to determine what residents are looking for in terms of parks and <br />recreation offerings and facilities. He noted past community surveys that <br />have been done and the process that was involved. Keis also felt the <br />article that the City Administrator distributed on changing recreation <br />programming was informative. Keis asked if there were any plans for <br />changes to offerings that the Council has not been made aware of. <br />Fahey asked if decisions on staffing changes would have to be done by <br />December. Keis indicated that staffing decisions will have to be made by <br />December as those decisions impact the 2016 Budget. Keis noted that the <br />City has more time relative to planning for the future direction of the <br />Parks & Recreation Department. <br />McGinnity felt that the cart was before the horse as a staffing decision will <br />be made before the planning piece is completed. Keis noted that <br />participation is down and that based on the current work load the <br />department can be reduced to 1 1/2 full-time equivalent. Keis indicated that <br />based on the outcome of the study and subsequent increase in program <br />offerings, it may be possible to increase staffing at some point in the <br />future. <br />Miller acknowledged the savings that would occur in cutting the Parks & <br />Recreation Director's position to half time, but suggested that if the City is <br />growing its programs and in order to maintain its identity, the position <br />would remain full-time. Miller noted his children's experience going <br />through the Little Canada recreation programs. He also pointed out that <br />having a full-time Director has provided good service to residents. Miller <br />asked if the decision has been made to cut the position to half-time. <br />Keis responded that everything is on the table at this point. Keis pointed <br />out that the City Administrator's report outlines various options and the <br />pros and cons of each. Keis asked if there is enough work to keep a full- <br />time Parks & Recreation Director busy in the office. He asked if the <br />Director could take on more duties currently performed by the Program <br />Assistants. Keis noted that these are some of the issues that need to be <br />considered. <br />Miller suggested that if the position is not full-time, it might be difficult to <br />attract the right person to grow the programs. Keis noted that with the <br />restructuring of positions, there may be many scenarios to consider, <br />including a combination parks and recreation position with other non - <br />3 <br />