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9 <br /> 2-28-2012 <br /> Dave: With respect to the comments by Ms.Toepel, I offer the following: <br /> 1) Overall,the updated language for the parks element update to the Everett Comprehensive Plan <br /> reflects the desire to help ensure consistency of language related to parks and recreation that <br /> already exist in the department's City Council adopted strategic plan in March 2007 and <br /> comprehensive plan adopted in May 2010. <br /> 2) The department operates under this comprehensive plan. (The comprehensive plan <br /> incorporates the strategic plan plus adds the six year capital improvement program.) The plan <br /> contains the department's mission,vision,six goals and their associated strategies and tactics. <br /> 3) The recommended changes to the parks element update to the Everett Comprehensive Plan <br /> were discussed with the Board of Park Commissioners in 2011. The Board unanimously <br /> recommended the proposed changes be forwarded to the City's planning commission for review <br /> and consideration and to replace the language the currently exists for the parks element to the <br /> Everett Comprehensive Plan. <br /> 4) The six goals recommended for inclusion in the parks update element have already by adopted <br /> by City Council. They are broad in nature and cover all aspects of the department's activities <br /> (which support the adopted vision and mission statements). Part of the goal is to recognize the <br /> financial challenges and limitations of solely relying of general taxpayer support for parks and <br /> recreations services. The department is to strive to derive a greater percentage of its operating <br /> budget from non-general fund taxpayer support(e.g.fees,grants,donations). This goal does <br /> not suggest that general fund taxpayer support should not increase,but if it does,the plan's <br /> goal (my words)would seek to generate even greater financial support from other sources. <br /> 5) The Board of Park Commissioners,a volunteer organization established by city charter,is <br /> responsible for advising staff,the Mayor and City Council on items related to parks and <br /> recreation. In performing its responsibilities,board members adhere to "rules of procedure" for <br /> the conduct of their position and how they discharge their responsibility. The board holds an <br /> annual retreat,for example,which in 2011, resulted in a series of actions that board members <br /> believed were important to undertake to help the board increase their effectiveness as board <br /> members. For example,one was to register as a participant in more recreation programs. <br /> Board members developed actions like this through their discussion. It was not imposed upon <br /> them by staff. <br /> 6) Lastly,communication strategies have been implemented the last few years specifically <br /> designed to improve board communications. In addition to the rules of procedure, board <br /> members are provided a monthly update of all major projects and programs; receive a monthly <br /> newsletter from the Director identifying other activities within the department not included <br /> under major projects and programs; and as part of the board's monthly meetings,have <br /> educational sessions presented to them (by staff) regarding topics that may or may not come <br /> back to the board but are important for learning about parks and recreation and becoming <br /> better board members. Training is important—for everyone. <br /> Please let me know if additional information is needed. <br /> paw <br /> Paul J. Kaftanski <br /> Parks and Recreation Director <br /> 6 <br /> 83 <br />