8 PRSR SR 02-13-2019N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2019\02-13-2019 PRC Packet\8 Director's Report 2-13-
19.docx
Item: 8
Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: February 13, 2019
Subject: Director’s Report
_______________________________________________________________________
This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to collaborations, strategic
planning, staff changes/developments, and park operations.
Mark Ahlness Service
Mark Ahlness decided not to re-apply for the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mark served nine
(9) years on the Commission. He started as a student intern and worked for parks and recreation
one summer before he became a Commissioner. The February meeting will be his last one.
Annual Board and Commission Appreciation Dinner
The annual Board and Commission dinner is scheduled for Thursday, March 14, 2019. Dinner is at
6:30 pm at the Rockwoods Banquet Center. Please RSVP by February 27.
Senior Activity Center Personnel
In August of 2018, senior citizen coordinator Annette Bonin retired. At the time, it was decided to
not fill the position but instead, have Steve Benoit conduct an analysis of Activity Center functions
and needs. In addition, with the potential of the Activity Center services being located to a new
facility, it is prudent to hold off on filling the position until staffing needs are determined.
In the absence of a senior center coordinator, coverage has been facilitated by Steve and our
recreation staff, working with the senior citizen programmer, Natalie Anderson. In the spring and
summer months, the workload within the recreation division increases which will make it difficult to
continue to support the Activity Center services. To continue providing these services, it was
recommended and approved by City Council on February 4 to promote Natalie Anderson to a
recreation coordinator level and provide support with a recreation program lead staff person. These
are temporary changes which could be modified based on future staffing needs for a new facility.
Woodland Trails Regional Park Grant Committee
The next Woodland Trails Regional Park Grant Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,
February 12. Staff is currently working with WSB to move the bidding and construction dates of
the project to later this spring/summer, so the Committee has additional times to meet and plan the
nature playground and picnic shelter.