PORT ANGELES — The city is considering merging Parks and Recreation Department into its Public Works and Utilities Department next year.
The economic development division, headed by the retiring Tim Smith, also would be folded into the Community Development Department, now headed by Brad Collins, under proposals tied to the 2005 budget.
The reorganization is not reflected in the preliminary budget presented at the Oct. 28 City Council meeting.
But it was noted in the 2005 budget presentation made by Finance Director Yvonne Ziomkowski during that meeting.
“It’s part of the 2005 budget, but it still has to be approved,” said Mayor Richard Headrick.
“It will be adopted by virtue of adoption of the budget.
“We still are considering it because we haven’t taken a vote on the budget yet.”
Under public works chief
Under the proposed reorganization, Parks and Recreation Director Marc Connelly would become parks manager, one of four people reporting to Glenn Cutler, director of public works and utilities.
The other three are Engineering Services Manager Gary Kenworthy, Power Resources Manager Scott McLain, and Operations Manager Mike Puntenney, who would take over parks maintenance.
The recreation services manager position, which has been vacant since Jerry Cole left in April, would be eliminated.
The economic development director position, now held by Smith and part of the city manager’s department, would become the community and economic development director in the planning department.