Parks director says pool attendance strong but department is 'severely understaffed'

Parks and Recreation Director Don Patterson told Council pool attendance had been good following the late opening but the department is struggling with staffing. Councilmember Terpenning thanked Patterson for reopening the pool and several callers praised the facility, but Patterson said the department lacks a full-time secretary and programming staff and that seasonal hiring and manager issues are causing operational strain.

"Directors never interview seasonal employees and there's more he can discuss but he'll give Council a breakdown soon," Patterson said, adding that the MLK Center should have at least three full-time employees and that current workloads require an assessment and additional support. He requested an executive session with the Park Board and said he will return to Council after that meeting with details and a staffing breakdown.