City Council Minutes 2015 10 13 SP

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City Council Meeting Minutes October 13, 2015 Page 13 of 18 Parks and Recreation Director Stevens reported the goal was to have more of an immediate impact. More mowing and taking care of weed infestation in open areas. Existing staff will map where there are successes for future management. Council member Stolzmann asked if this only affected one of the three proposed positions. City Manager Fleming replied, yes, the proposed Weed Coordinator position and duties will be changed to contract funding. Controlled bums will still be studied. Open Space Ranger Mayor Muckle supported the Open Space Ranger as a year round, fulltime position. Council member Loo was supportive with caveats; wasn't thrilled to have the open space ranger at activities not considered open space activities. She had heard from citizens and also believed the educational pieces were not as important as actually having the ranger in the open space, writing tickets and patrolling. Council member Stolzmann supported the full time position with similar concerns expressed by Council member Loo. She discussed what a ranger should be doing; addressing maintenance, vandalism, weeds, dog issues, wamings, and ability for proactive enforcement role when appropriate. Mayor Muckle agreed with what had been said, but also supported some of the educational pieces for the position. Council member Leh supported the Open Space Ranger as a fulltime position. A member of the public had asked what training the ranger had in wildlife control and other things they might face. Parks and Recreation Director Stevens noted the job description would address some of the training required. This year, training had been provided by the City's Police Department on approaching non - cooperative persons. Council member Keany suggested if the Ranger was at the Street Faire or other events, they could man a booth telling about open space rules and regulations. He preferred the Ranger be on the trails and in the open space enforcing the rules and educating the people there. Parks and Recreation Director Stevens addressed having the Ranger attend special events. Modifications to the role at Street Faire were made about half way through the summer and more adjustments can be made if Council approves the position.