HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-15-2005-5kORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 15, 2005
Action Agenda
Item No. ~-~_
SUBJECT: Approval of Permanent Full-Time Parks Conservation Technician Position
DEPARTMENT: Recreation and Parks PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lori N. Taft, Management Director
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
PURPOSE: To consider approval of a permanent full time Parks Conservation Technician
position in the Recreation and Parks Department, effective March 1, 2005, and authorization of
County fianding for the position using monies set-aside in the BOCC approved budget for 2004-
05,
BACKGROUND: The Manager's Recommended Budget for 2004-05 included a full time Parks
Conservation Technician position in the Recreation and Parks Department effective October 1,
2004, During the BOCC budget work sessions last spring, the Board directed staff to bring
back a report on the development of a strategic plan prior to the Board's final decision on the
position. As a result, the approved budget reserved funds totaling $23,406 to cover costs of the
position effective .)anuary 1, 2005.
At the BOCC February 8, 2005 work session the Recreation and Parks Management Director
presented a draft strategic plan to the Board, Fallowing presentation of the draft plan, there
was consensus from the Board for the position request to be included on the February 15, 2005
regular meeting consent agenda,
Needs Addressed
Currently, there is one Park Conservation Technician position assigned to general parks
(non-Little River), As the number of parks increases, this staffing level is not sufficient to
handle the high level of maintenance, conservation and operations that parks require, The
following table shows current facilities that require ongoing maintenance and care as well as
long deferred special projects:
Park/Center Pro'ects
Efland-Cheeks Park and Community Correct drainage on walking track
Center Install and establish plant materials for
stabilization of embankment
Run electric service to existing and new
picnic shelters
Clear dead and dawn limbs, limb up
trees, clear undesirable undergrowth
and chip behind play area and
throughout picnic area.
Improve soccer field grade (low area)
with gradual top dressing treatment
Renovate (replace) infield with
contractual assistance
Homestead Communit Center Re air Si n
Fairview Park Clear and stabilize streams and culverts
Stain play structure components
Renovate Horseshoe Pits
Install parking bumpers
Re air and relocate Park Si n
Northern Recreation Center and Park Install directional signs
Renovate warning track
Develop Pottery/Ceramic Studio
Clear and chip years of storm debris
from existing trails
Fill low areas, to dress to level field
Central Recreation Center Install and establish plant materials to
replace screening
Prepare area and facilitate the
installation of play apparatus
Install curbing and fencing around play
area
Renovate lantin beds
Southern Human Services Center Design and placement of trail signage
and kiosk
Continue construction and maintenance
of trails
z
The position requested in this abstract would allow the department to address the unmet needs
related to the projects outlined in the above table.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Based on a proposed start date of March 1, 2005, funding requirements
for fiscal year 2004-05 total $16,547, This amount includes $16,035 for salary and benefits,
and $512 in operating and one-time start-up costs, Estimated annual costs of the position for
FY 2005-06 is $47,430, which includes $46,505 in salary and benefits, and $925 in operational
costs.
Funding to cover the costs for the current fiscal year ($16,547) would come from the reserve
fund of $23,406 that the Board of Commissioners set aside in the 2004-05 fiscal year budget.
The Recreation and Parks Department budget for fiscal year 2005-2006 would include an
increase of approximately $47,430 to cover the costs associated with this position.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board:
Approve a permanent full time Parks Conservation Technician position in the Recreation
and Parks Department, effective March 1, 2005, and
• Authorize the release of $16,547 from the budgeted reserve to fund the position effective
March 1, 2005.