10/22/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

�NJNos -o Phone: (612) 717-4000 °.p NEW Fax: (612) 784-3462 rS 0 &SS ' Partnelsr%9 October 19, 1998 Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners: It's been a very difficult few weeks as the City Council looks into proposals of outside agencies to take over the services of the Parks and Recreation Department. Currently the City is looking most predominately at the YMCA proposal. The Y has said that they can manage the Community Center and provide recreational services for $100,000 less than the city's proposal. I don't know how they can do that, as the city's operation is pretty meager as it is. I have indicated to staff that they need to be concerned about the level of recreational programming services and make sure that the YMCA is able to maintain the same level of service. The other indication is that parks maintenance and improvements would be transferred to Public Works. While this is certainly not uncommon, the issues of service priority and quick response to parks needs comes into question. I have attached some work papers that staff has been discussing. Finance Director Kessel and Administrator Whiting will be talking with the Y more to ask specific details - I have given them some questions to ask. Because I have a stake in this issue - namely my job - I certainly have a conflict of interest. Therefore it would probably be more appropriate for me to keep out of the issue discussions. The City Council meetings tonight on this issue and will probably meet other times as well since the mayor is unavailable for tonights meeting. I have nothing for the regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting which should be held Thursday, October 22. If any of you wish to meet feel free - but I have no items for discussion. Sincerely, Mary Sa on, Director Parks, Recreation & Forestry SON IHK "'"'E°"^'" 2401 Highway 10 • Mounds View, MN 55112-1499 ,�, Equal Opportunity Employer