7. PRSR 09-11-2013City 11�
E
Memorandum Apft%w--
River
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: September 11, 2013
Subject: Director's Report
This report is a monthly highlight of our Department's activities informing the Commission
on items related to collaborations, strategic planning, staff changes/ development, and park
operations.
Parks and Recreation 2014 Operating Budget
The Parks 2014 operating budget was presented to City Council on August 8. Contractual
Services is requested to increase for buckthorn/invasive species removal ($10,000). Not
included in the preliminary budget is an additional request in the amount of $15,000 for
Contractual Services for Horticulture and Tree expert services. Personal Services increases
since the proposed budget includes an additional FT park maintenance worker and
additional seasonal staff. The Recreation, Arena and Pinewood Budgets were presented at
the August 15 City Council meeting. No major changes to these budgets for 2014.
Houlton Property
Parks and Recreation Commissioner Chair Dave Anderson and staff will meet with Friends
of the Mississippi River nonprofit organization on September 6 at City Hall to discuss ideas
for the acquisition and restoration required to purchase the Houlton farm property.
Bailey Point Nature Preserve
We continue to appreciate the many hours that have been spent at Bailey Point Nature
Preserve this summer continuing to clean up and maintain the new park. Most of the park
volunteers are nearby neighbors who continue to be led by the new official Park Steward
Eric Toth. A sign plan for the new park is currently being developed. .
Eagle Scout Projects
Dave Anderson was able to mentor a variety of Eagle Scout projects at Woodland Trails
Park this past summer with hundreds of hours recorded. We plan to have a report on the
completed Scout projects this year at the November Commission meeting.
P 0 M E R E 1 8 t
N: \Departments \Parks and Recreation \Commission \Packets \2013 \09 -11 -13 PRCPacket \Directors Report.docx IL I
IINATUREI