06/28/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Crusaders Bite — You We all have a habit of classifying people who do not agree with us as nuts and fruits or some other uncomplimentary term. Residents do not get involved unless they feel wronged. Facts have nothing to do with this; it is all emotional. When people com- p lain, treat them asyou would wish to be treated. Or, you wil create crusaders. They are the opponents for Park Rec when the next appointment vacancy comes up. The proverbial little old lady in tennis shoes will have you in court before you know it, not to mention page 1 of your local newspaper. In almost every unpleasant issue of this type... it goes back to one of the CBMs making a comment that compounded the situation. And, the yelling and screaming gets started. Take the part of the crusader. Promise to get the facts. Guarantee their treatment. Promise that they will be notified before any action is taken. Con%WA crusaders to Park Rec boosters with concern for their point of view. Xerox Meetings When every meeting is just like the last one: we approved the minutes, the payroll, the bills, read the correspondence, listened to a couple of interested citizens, rubber stamped a couple of staff program proposals and gave out a cer- tificate of appreciation, you are in a rut. You are custodians of a Park Rec organization going downhill. What is being done to develop new facilities? Programs? Anything to perk up and excite the residents? You don't need money, you need enthusiasm and ideas. Recognize when you are attending xerox meetings. Your Park Rec Annual Allowance Quickly, you will be in- troduced to the all American sport called BUDGET and _ most of the time it is the excuse given anytime you propose something. When the budget is pre Arai pared, BE INVOLVED. This is Park Rec's allowance for the next 12 months. There is never enough money to do all the things Park Rec wants to do. Budget Preparation Budgets are usually prepared by Adminis- trators as they have the records and files. They use a step process, checking frequently with the Board, so they can determine the Board's wishes for the coming year. When you receive the first draft of the budget determine what is included and what is not. Have the ADM explain the budget to you and be sure you understand what is in the first draft. In Board discussions, do your job. Fill your role. Dig. Probe. Question everything. Do not accept the "same as last year" answer. Why is it the same? Why do we do it? Can we do it better another way? Is the invest- ment successful? You get the idea. Don't be afraid to rnake changes. CBMs who do not like to do this because the budget would have to be retyped are "chickening out." 22 23