Recreation and Park District Reduces Staff

LIVERMORE, CA - The Livermore Area Recreation and Park District approved a reduction in force due to reorganization, and layoff of the Park Specialist position. The recent reorganization of the Parks and Facilities Division established one Park Supervisor and three Park Foreman positions. The Park Foreman positions now perform some of the duties of the three Park Specialist positions, while lower level staff members perform the balance of duties. With the realignment of duties, the Park Specialist positions are no longer necessary; and only one of the three positions is currently filled. The Board voted to lay off the current employee and offer that employee the newly created position of Irrigation Technician.

The moves were made during the regular Board meeting this week.

Also during the meeting, the Board received a presentation on a proposed Pricing Policy affecting fees charged to individuals and groups for facility use; participation in programs and activities; and purchasing equipment, supplies and other items. By establishing a Pricing Policy and creating administrative guidelines, the District would become more transparent and can manage pricing in a consistent manner. The issue was referred to the Program Committee and Facilities Committee for review and will come back to the Board at a future meeting.

Two appointments were made to the Personnel Commission this week. The Commission is a volunteer body that monitors and advises the Board on the District’s personnel policies, approves the eligibility list for the hiring of full-time staff, hears appeals of disciplinary actions and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors on matters of personnel administration.

Paul Lynd was reappointed to the Commission for a four-year term through January 2020. Lynd joined the Commission in May 2015 to complete the remainder of a vacant term. Keith Beck was also appointed as a new Commissioner to fill the position recently vacated by Michele Walker. The remainder of this term will expire in January 2017.

The Board also honored the retirement of Jerry Griffith with a Resolution of Commendation. He served the District for 35 years in Park Maintenance.

In other District news, the LARPD Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan and environmental impact declaration are currently available for public review online and in person at the Robert Livermore Community Center (4444 East Ave.) or the Livermore Public Library (1188 S. Livermore Ave.). The public review period ends March 9. The plan, along with comments and responses, will be brought to the Board for final approval before the end of April.