AG 1999 10 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Department, the Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA. Additionally, the City of Kannapolis has formed a Parks and Recreation Department, which could lead to further duplication. The real mission of the department is somewhat unclear. Consequently, facility development, programs and classes are not coordinated among the county's jurisdictions as well as should be (a multi jurisdictional parks and recreation study to be performed will help address these issues). Meanwhile, the department has taken on several park development projects simultaneously. Proposal: Explore opportunities for service consolidation with the county's municipalities and non- profit organizations. Develop, with the Board of Commissioners, a clear mission for the Parks and Recreation Department. Staff can provide examples from other jurisdictions (Wake County, for example, focuses entirely on parks). Note: I have chosen not to fill the vacant Special Populations/Special Events position until this issue is addressed (that position's duties could easily be shifted to the school systems and YMCA). Explore altemative long-term locations for Parks and Recreation administration that are consistent with its mission. Possibilities include Frank Liske Park and the property to be purchased on highway 49 for agricultural exhibitions and other county-directed events. Action Items: The following actions are requested now: Authorize the relocation of Parks and Recreation to the vacant space at the EDC building and allocate a maximum of $10,000 for remodeling (inclusive of telephone and computer cabling). Authorize the planning staff to prepare a modest remodeling plan for the new Planning Services space (the former Parks and Recreation space). At the upcoming Commissioners' retreat, discuss in detail, and formulate direction for the county's Parks and Recreation Department. Authorize the county manager and staff to develop an agreement/contract with Cabarrus County Schools for the transfer of the county's Property Maintenance Division to Cabarrus County Schools. Cabarms schools would provide grounds maintenance for the county at the same level of service currently provided by county's Property Maintenance Division and at the same cost. The proposals offered seek to provide long-term solutions to issues that will not resolve themselves. Your consideration is very much appreciated. Staff stands ready to assist as needed.