Medical Lake staff propose 'Recreation Assistant 2' title to improve program continuity without new funding

City staff asked the council April 1 for direction on creating a Recreation Assistant 2 job title to provide consistent program leadership for after‑school programs, summer camps and other recreation offerings.

Presenters said the role would not require new funding; instead the city would reallocate existing part‑time dollars to create one dedicated, year‑round temporary/seasonal position that functions as the lead for part‑time staff. Staff explained state rules that limit some part‑time workers to roughly 70 hours per month have made it difficult to provide continuity and to avoid frequent overtime for the small pool of regular part‑time workers.

A staff presenter said the position is intended to be a consistent figure across programs who would coordinate training, oversee referees and run specialty events. The job would be labeled temporary/seasonal on paperwork but the person would work year‑round; as staff put it, “technically, they are a temporary seasonal position, but this person will work year round for us.”

Council members asked questions about hours and hiring. Staff said the position would be scheduled to avoid full‑time classification (payroll and benefits thresholds) and that current budgeted funds for part‑time labor are sufficient to cover the new title while still supporting other part‑time staff. Staff also said the city will advertise and follow the normal hiring process.

Next steps: staff will prepare the job description and the administrative paperwork needed to post the position and will return with any necessary budget summaries or classification paperwork if council directs.