Sponsor: Parks & Recreation
Title
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Appointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission
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Recommendation
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Appoint the following individuals to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a term beginning
June 2, 2024, and ending June 2, 2027:
• Harold Harvey
• Brian Tempas
• Gregory Williams
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Background and Rationale
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The Parks and Recreation Commission serves as an advisory group to the Parks and Recreation Department leadership. Members of the Parks Commission serve as valuable community liaisons, and provide insights on park projects, policy, racial equity and community engagement efforts. Feedback and ideas are incorporated into development projects and help connect park staff to community. Members' familiarity with the county's parks and recreation system offers a deep and rich conversation about the direction of the department. The Parks Commission has a total of 11 seats.
There are currently three vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Commission. There was a total of three applications, two of which were from incumbents. On April 8, 2024, the applications were forwarded to an interview panel, which consisted of three Ramsey County commissioners. The interview panel reviewed the applications and interviews took place between April 23 - 25, 2024.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
In addition to the usual recruitment for advisory committee vacancies through GovDelivery, word of mouth by advisory committee members, staff, and the board, the vacancies and application was promoted through an email listserv reaching numerous diverse organizations and networks. The recruitment process utilized the county’s social media accounts and website. This extended promotion process is a step towards better outreach to more racially diverse and underrepresented voices that are often missed. Furthermore, the application for these vacancies was updated to focus more on the lived experiences and knowledge and skills a resident may bring along with an optional section to insert demographics to ensure we are reaching new and diverse candidates.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Participation by and input from community members appointed to advisory groups helps to shape and improve programs and services for the community, share information and increase the level of understanding through discussion, dialogue, and engagement.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
In 2022, Ramsey County began offering compensation for residents serving on formal advisory boards. Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission had an opportunity to opt-in for a monthly $25 gift card attendance compensation. Advisory board compensation comes from the Community Engagement Fund.
Last Previous Action
On September 5, 2023, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners appointed Linda Duck and Reier Erickson to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a term ending June 4, 2026 (Resolution B2023-141).
Attachments
1. Parks and Recreation Commission Membership Roster