Committee advances Parks, Recreation and Forestry five-year strategic plan; director says senior programming maintained

The Finance & Personnel Committee reviewed the Parks, Recreation, Forestry and Buildings Department’s five-year strategic plan on July 2 and discussed maintenance priorities and senior programming.

Director Odegaard said the department has shifted to a living plan that is amended annually to remain responsive to changing needs and grant requirements. The plan includes an integrated maintenance plan now in its fourth year and is used to support state and federal grant applications.

Committee members praised the plan’s detail and asked about invasive species and how the plan accounts for changing climate conditions; Director Odegaard said the plan addresses maintenance and changing environmental pressures. Council members also asked about a $95,000 operational move referenced in the city budget materials. Odegaard said senior programs would remain intact, that some senior programming operates from a special account and that fees generally cover those activities.

Committee moved the strategic-plan resolution forward for the vote (meeting record shows the item advanced); council action will follow as required.