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 Mike Sachi to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a term beginning June 6, 2023 and ending June 4, 2026.
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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 nine seats-one for each district and two at-large.
There is currently 1 vacancy and 2 ending term positions on the Parks and Recreation Commission. There was a total of 4 applications, none of which were from incumbents. On April 28, 2023 the applications were forwarded to an interview panel, which consisted of three Ramsey County commissioners, who reviewed the applications and interviews with took place between April 28 - May 19, 2023. On May 17, 2023, Mike Sachi was recommended by the interview panel for appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission for the June 6 board meeting date.
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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 Communications Department also recruited through all social media accounts and county 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 July 12, 2022, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners appointed Jordan Nelson and Tamara Mattison to the Parks and Recreation Commission (Resolution B2022-171).
Attachments
1. Parks and Recreation Commission Membership Roster