10-14-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 14, 2015 many people have played recreational sports over the years through the Parks & Recreation Department under the direction of Jim Morelan, Parks & Recreation Director. McGinnity felt that these recreational programs are a benefit to the youth in the City. She noted that she is currently a part-time Recreation Supervisor and a member of the Little Canada Recreation Association. McGinnity stated that she was speaking this evening to help people understand that having a full-time Parks & Recreation Director was key to the success of the City's recreational programming. McGinnity felt it was important to have a full-time Parks & Recreation Director in the office during the day to handle emergencies, answer phone calls and emails, etc. McGinnity felt there was nothing more frustrating than getting an answering machine when calling to have a question answered. The full-time Director also provides guidance and support to the two part-time Recreation Supervisors. With regard to potential cost savings, McGinnity indicated that if a new Parks & Recreation Director is hired after Jim Morelan retires, the City will have a salary savings as the new Director would not be at the top of the pay scale. McGinnity felt it important to maintain the current level of service that the full-time Parks & Recreation Director provides. Keis reported that the City is committed to maintaining a robust Parks & Recreation Department, whether the Director position is part-time or full- time. McGraw pointed out that the City Council is looking at the 2016 Budget as a whole and must adopt that Budget in December. He indicated that this is not a situation where the Council is picking on the Parks & Recreation Department. The Council is looking at the entire Budget to determine where cuts can be made. McGraw pointed out that there is currently a reorganization of City staff taking place, which has not occurred since 1992 or 1994. McGraw indicated that the Council is not looking to cut service to the community, but rather to keep service delivery the same or make improvements. McGraw noted that a committee has been set up to determine long-term goals for the Parks & Recreation Department, and Council Member Fischer will facilitate a sub- committee session some visioning and goal setting can occur. That information will be brought back to the full committee and will be acted on by the City Council. McGraw indicated that it was his feeling that no resident of Little Canada will see any change in service deliveries. LCRA Montour announced that LCRA will host its annual Halloween Dance on HALLOWEEN Saturday, October 24th, at the Old Fire Hall. Information is available on DANCE the City's and on LCRA's web site. 2