03-03-2016 Parks & Rec Workshop minutes

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Workshop Minutes Parks and Recreation Commission March 3, 2016 Councilman Fischer explained this year will prove the effectiveness of the transition. He stated in the case this transition proved ineffective it would not be hard to reinstate the full time position. He also told the Commission if they found a solution to the downward trend the Council would most likely be willing to take a risk by reinstating the position. Chair Miller commented it is a lot of pressure for the Commission to take on the decision that would shape the future of Parks and Recreation in the City. Ray voiced his concern that from a citizen perspective it seemed hard to comprehend a reduction in staff when new municipal buildings are being constructed. Councilman Fischer addressed Chair Miller’s statement and noted that the task at hand is not to reinvent the department, but to customize the City’s own version of Parks and Recreation. Schletty agreed with Chair Miller explaining it may be hard to bring the position back in the future. He noted the department may limp along for many years without anyone realizing the position is necessary. He reasoned the Commission would need to make a decision on the matter sooner rather than later. Chair Miller thought the best solution would be to add new programs thus fixing the trend naturally. Darling asked how the Commission could better address the trend to examine the problem. Chair Miller voiced the importance of changing the trend to ensure the identity of Little Canada is maintained. Ray reminded the Commission Little Canada once had a hockey team as well as a traveling baseball team. The Director noted Maplewood also, once, had those activities and they are much larger than Little Canada. The City Administrator voiced his concern to add additional programs without copying other cities. Horwath noted there are always people at the skate park. He reminded the Commission it is important to think about creating opportunity not just about organizing opportunity. Ray commented that the Commission seems to be taking on a larger role, due to the budget being reduced. He explained it would be difficult for the Commission to generate new programs if there is less money and less staff to do so in the first place. Horwath noted the Commission would give ideas to the department, but stated the Commission would not take on the task of programming. Councilman Fischer clarified he was not asking the Commission to take on new tasks as a result of the staffing reduction. He wants the Commission to feel more empowered to have a say in the decisions the Parks and Recreation Department makes. ADJOURN Horwath moved the meeting be adjourned. Motion seconded by Ray. Motion carried 6 – 0.