Maplewood city manager presents SWOT analysis, cites staffing shortages and proposes ward meetings on park safety

Summary

The City Manager presented a staff survey and SWOT analysis highlighting strengths in customer service and engagement, and challenges including staffing shortages and outdated facilities. The manager proposed pilot ward meetings to address summertime public‑safety concerns in parks and announced steps to implement annual goal‑setting and performance evaluations.

The City Manager reported an uptick in public‑safety calls around parks during the summer and proposed organizing ward meetings to solicit resident input and suggestions, starting with Ward 1 in early August. The manager said the meetings would be promoted by yard signs, email and the city website and could be piloted citywide if successful.

The manager also presented a SWOT analysis conducted with staff. The packet includes the report and the manager summarized key findings: strengths in customer service, community engagement and interdepartmental collaboration; challenges including staffing shortages, outdated facilities and communication gaps; opportunities in leveraging technology and expanding professional development; and threats from economic fluctuation and a competitive labor market.

The manager reported results from an all‑staff survey (49 of 77 staff responded) and said 83% of respondents reported being very or somewhat satisfied with the city as a workplace. Recommendations include addressing staffing and communications, upgrading facilities where possible, and developing a performance evaluation process to be implemented this fall with department goal‑setting.