Council approves 2026 part-time wage and fee schedules; Eagle Scout archery range OK'd

The New London Park and Recreation Committee advanced a 2026 part-time seasonal wage schedule and a related fee policy and schedule; the council approved those items at the meeting.

Director Saul presented a proposed 10–15% increase to starting wages for part-time and seasonal positions, with a hypothetical four-year projection to narrow the gap with comparable positions in the city. The committee recommended the 2026 part-time seasonal wage schedule and the full council approved the measure (vote 10-0).

The committee also recommended approval of a revised 2026 fee policy and schedule that includes changes tied to the wage adjustments; staff noted the schedule adds deposits for rentals to address potential damage or unsatisfactory venue conditions. The council approved the fee schedule (vote 10-0).

Separately, the committee approved an Eagle Scout proposal to construct an archery range. Colton Swanson, working with Streets and Parks Superintendent Luke Hammond, presented the design, budget and timeline; the project is intended to be available for use by September 2026. The committee recommended the project and the council approved that recommendation.

The Parks & Recreation director reported other items including dock installation planned for spring, public Wi-Fi installations at Hatton Park and Franklin Park, and a DNR-funded riprap installation along the Embarrass River at Pfeiffer Park to be sturgeon-friendly. The committee noted these as informational items; no additional council action was recorded.