Finance & Personnel Committee

FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE July 12, 2022 6:45pm PRESENT: Chairperson Rusniak, Member Fulop, and Alternate Hegy ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Steve Volkert, Parks & Rec Director Mike Hermann, Randy Wojtasiak Call to Order – Chairperson Rusniak called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers of Hartford City Hall, 109 North Main Street. Roll Call – Members Sikora and Kohler were absent and excused. Public Comment Period – None. Discussion and consideration of the addition of one new fulltime Parks-Cemetery Equipment Operator position as part of the 2023 City budget – City Administrator Steve Volkert explained that the Parks Department is one department that is in need of additional personnel as the city continues to add park space and park amenities. Director Mike Hermann further explained the details of the current personnel and how the workload has increased without adding additional personnel. He then explained that volunteers have been a major help in bridging the gap, as well as relying on Public Works. Director Hermann also pointed out the monthly report that he submits to the Parks and Rec Commission, which has projects listed that need to be finished. Some of those projects have been on the list for many years, simply because other tasks have been prioritized due to staffing. City Administrator Volkert commented that many complaints the city receives are regarding the condition of city parks, and that the city has grown tremendously in the 43 years since the last staff member was added to this department. Alderperson Fulop asked about the cost difference between paying a fulltime employee with benefits versus contracting an outside company to complete the necessary projects. City Administrator Volkert explained that while the capital projects would seemingly benefit from an outside contractor, it is the day-to-day operations that would benefit greatly from a fulltime staff member. Alderperson Fulop then asked what has been done in the 43 years to compensate since the last fulltime staff member was added. City Administrator Volkert explained that some staff from Public Works have been relied upon at times when some maintenance projects were falling behind. Director Hermann added again that volunteers have been heavily relied upon, as well as adding a handful of part-time seasonal staff. Duties that used to be the Parks & Rec Department’s responsibility have been reallocated to the Building Maintenance Department and Public Works Department, in an effort to alleviate some of the workload. Efficiencies within Parks & Rec Department have improved; Director Hermann cited upgrades in mowing equipment as an example. Alderperson Fulop also asked if this addition would lead to a decrease in overtime. City Administrator Volkert said that it should reduce the amount of overtime, however a number estimate was not calculated. MOTION by Alderperson Fulop, seconded by Alderperson Hegy approving the addition of one new fulltime Parks- Cemetery Equipment Operator position as part of the 2023 City budget. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Adjournment – MOTION by Alderperson Hegy, seconded by Alderperson Fulop for adjournment at 7:01 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Respectfully submitted, Lori Hetzel, City Clerk FPJUL12.22 Compiled by Samantha Walters, Deputy Clerk