Commission defers recreation program coordinator proposal until department staff can appear

The commission voted to defer further action on a proposed recreation program coordinator classification and ask Interim Director Tracy Lamb (or a departmental representative) to appear at the next meeting to explain the operational rationale.

The proposed classification would create an intermediate step between part-time recreation specialists and full supervisors, intended to create upward mobility for long-time part-time staff and free supervisors to focus on program development. Staff said the position could be full- or part-time and that the department has not yet assigned specific funding for it.

Several commissioners said they had heard existing supervisors preferred alternative support arrangements rather than adding a coordinator. Concerned commissioners asked for direct departmental input; Chairperson Wojnowski moved to return the item with Lamb or another representative so commissioners could discuss the proposal with department leadership before voting. The motion to bring the item back in July carried by voice vote.

Staff noted that union input had been circulated but that any changes that add positions or change bargaining-unit status would need to be coordinated with labor and the budget office before recruitment.

The item remains pending; staff will schedule departmental representation for the July meeting and the commission will reconsider the classification after that discussion.