Clear Lake creates Recreation and Events Division, authorizes new staff positions

Council approved the formation of a new Recreation and Events Division and authorized job descriptions and salary ranges to staff the program.

Director Swanson and presenter (who grew up in Clear Lake) described the new division’s mission to "enhance the quality of life" through arts, culture, youth programs and events such as Soapbox Derby, Movies in the Park and a planned spring‑break camp. The division is intended to be self‑funding within two years through sponsorships, grants, fees and an anticipated impact fee study; staff proposed a calendar of milestones including policy adoption by September and program evaluation in December.

Council action: members approved new classifications and salary ranges for Recreation & Events Coordinator, Deputy City Clerk/Human Resources Technician, Account Clerk I/II and Dispatcher Aid. The resolution also authorized inclusion of the positions in the upcoming fiscal year staffing plan.

Why it matters: the city intends to expand community recreation offerings and to formalize staffing for event delivery and outreach. Staff said the program will begin with modest start‑up funding from general fund and grants, then rely on sponsorships and fees to become sustainable. Council asked questions about salary placement and weekend coverage; staff said pay bands were selected to align with comparable senior classifications and to allow independent program management.

Next steps: staff to return with division policies, partner MOUs and the impact‑fee study; the council approved the positions and funding authorization in tandem with the budget adoption.