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Committee approves Parks & Rec staffing adjustments and pay-step increases after closed session
Summary
The committee recommended council approval to adjust a Parks & Recreation part-time position (increasing a current employee’s hours) and to implement pay-step increases for two positions after closed-session consideration under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c).
The Finance, Budget and Personnel Committee on March 4 recommended council approval of several Parks and Recreation staffing and compensation actions, including increasing a part-time office coordinator’s hours and pay-step changes decided after a closed session.
Sarah Dressel and Justin (Parks and Recreation staff) explained that a permanent part-time senior coordinator position created in 2021 had been vacated; the department paused recruitment after low applicant volume and reviewed duties. Two existing staff, Wendy Zimmerman (part-time administrative associate) and Kylie Dampier (office coordinator), assumed many duties while other staff assisted. Dressel said the department proposed not filling the senior coordinator as a separate 0.5 FTE and instead increase Wendy Zimmerman’s hours from 20 to 25 per week. Department estimates showed removing the senior position would have saved about $21,000; with the increase of Wendy’s hours, the net savings are $14,451. The committee voted to recommend approval of that adjustment.
The committee then moved into closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) to consider employment and pay adjustments. After reconvening, the committee took formal action: a motion was approved to move the Parks and Recreation office coordinator to Step 1 of the compensation scale, and a separate motion was approved to move the Parks and Recreation administrative associate to Step 1. Votes on those post–closed-session motions were taken and recorded in the meeting minutes. Committee members also noted anticipated partnership opportunities with ADRC when that organization moves into the Second Street Community Center.
Why it matters: The adjustments aim to preserve program offerings at the Second Street Community Center while reducing net personnel costs. The department plans to continue providing senior programs and exploring partnerships to expand services without increasing city costs.
