A restructuring in the town’s recreation department will lead to the creation of two new positions, but no additional staff will be added.
In a report to council on April 10, CAO Bill White said the changes flow from implementation of a central booking system for recreation facilities, arrangements for staff on leave and an anticipated retirement from the department.
In January 2017, the town moved to a new system where direct customer service for bookings was shifted to administrative staff at the municipal office, White explains in the report. The website was improved so customers could check facility availability and book online.
In June, the Palmerston lead hand assumed new combined office and facility related duties during a maternity leave.
Later that June, another staff member went on leave.
“During the course of the re-assignment, work was added related to scheduling staff in the facilities which coincided well with the central booking process,” White states in the report.
The new structure promotes the Palmerston lead hand to a new position of recreation and facilities coordinator, reporting to both the facilities manager and recreation services manager.
A second new position, lead hand parks and facilities, will be created and temporarily filled internally until a staff member currently on leave returns.
The existing recreation services assistant position remains in the structure. The structure also includes five full-time facility operators and seasonal summer program and pool staff.
White noted he supports the restructuring from a succession planning perspective. He also stated “setting up responsibilities by functional facilities and recreation area (parks and satellite facilities distinct from arena operations) rather than by community (Clifford, Harriston, Palmerston) will improve level of service.”
While no increase in full- or part-time staff is anticipated, White said reassignments will potentially change the pay band for one position. He notes the approximate budget increase of $6,000 was provided for in the 2018 budget.
Council received the report and approved the plan.
