On Oct. 27 we had the opportunity to attend the City Council meeting.

During the meeting we were presented an organizational chart that shows the order of city functions. It is interesting to note the city manager’s position is below the citizens of Albert Lea, the mayor and the City Council. With this being the case I believe we need to have more questions answered and not allow the city manager to dictate how it’s going to be without regard of input from the citizens and City Council.

For example, what is the difference between a director and a manager? Is it salary, hours, lowering the income and hours of current staff including administrative secretaries and clerks? The flowchart does not show what happens to the employees who are not directors or managers. Are their positions going to become part-time, minimum-wage and no-benefits positions?

The elimination of the Parks and Recreation Department is ludicrous. Of all the departments in the city, this one probably has the most visibility. We as citizens observe the beauty of our parks, the use of them, the fantastic plantings downtown and as places where one can find some peace from the hustle and bustle of the city. What will become of the summer recreation programs and the hockey rinks and warming houses at various parks?

The idea of collaboration with Albert Lea Area Schools, Albert Lea Family Y and Albert Lea Community Education on recreation is interesting. Does this mean the city will be putting money into programs that are already subsidized? This too does not make sense.

Now we need to address the highly visible elimination of Jay Hutchison as the Parks and Recreation Department director. Did he have a bad review that the community is unaware has happened? The way this was done can only cause concern for all city staff. I can imagine the morale is low among employees and from low morale one can only expect low service.

During the council meeting the carrot was dangled that the library could reopen on Fridays but not until spring. A long winter will soon be upon us where it would be nice to have the library available. The fact is it should never have been closed Friday in the first place.

The outside firm that did this study has nothing to lose. The city of Albert Lea has much to lose if this reorganization is accepted. We all need to call and write or councilmen and the city manager to make our thoughts known before Nov. 27 when this will again come before the council.

Be very wary of things that are promoted as good when so many are affected!

 

Carol Bertelson

Albert Lea