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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />OCTOBER 14, 2015 <br />parks and recreation duties, as an example. Miller suggested that coaches <br />could also help with duties such as assembling equipment, etc. <br />The Parks & Recreation Director reported that he already does some of the <br />same work that the Program Assistants do as he is available during the day <br />when the Assistants are not. The Director felt that there was too much <br />emphasis being put on participation numbers in making a staffing <br />decision. As an example, he indicated that whether there are 8 baseball <br />teams or 5 baseball teams, 95% of the work is the same. The workload is <br />not directly related to the number of participants. Horwath agreed. <br />Sullivan asked if at the recent parks and recreation conference there was <br />any discussion about declining numbers, what other cities are doing, etc. <br />The Director reported that he attended a session put on by the MN Parks & <br />Recreation Adult Softball Association at which it was reported that adult <br />softball participation numbers are down all over. The association is <br />currently looking at what can be done to increase numbers or provide <br />different offerings that might appeal to adults. Miller suggested that when <br />numbers are down, a department can actually have more work in trying to <br />find participants. <br />Horwath stated that when the budget is tight, it is difficult to grow <br />programs. He also indicated stated that when numbers are down and <br />programs are cut back, there is actually more work since the department <br />then has to deal with wait lists, etc. Horwath stated that he is concerned <br />with the conversation taking place this evening. He indicated that he is a 6 <br />year resident of the City and moved into Little Canada because the quality <br />of life was good. Horwath reported that his children have made friends <br />from the teams that they have played on. He felt a recreation program was <br />a quality of life issue. Horwath suggested that the City should either <br />maintain and/or grow its programs and should not shrink staffing. He <br />noted that Little Canada Parks & Recreation Department staffing is two <br />full-time equivalents, while Maplewood has 8 for a population 3 to 4 times <br />the size of Little Canada. Horwath indicated that the City needs high <br />quality parks and that people are using parks and trails. <br />Keis pointed out recent changes noting that parks maintenance is now <br />under the direction of the Public Works Director. Keis felt that this <br />change will not cause parks maintenance to suffer. Staffing levels for that <br />function have remained the same. <br />Horwath pointed out the tremendous funding mechanisms in Little Canada <br />given the support of LCRA for parks and recreation. Horwath stated that <br />his family looks for these opportunities in Little Canada given they are <br />made affordable by LCRA. Horwath indicated that the City needs to <br />4 <br />