The Bainbridge Island Metro Parks and Recreation District commissioners passed a number of resolutions regarding finances at a recent meeting.
One was on the salary scale and a 4.5% cost of living adjustment.
Commissioner Tom Goodlin said he is not used to organizations where wages are distributed evenly across all wage earners. In consulting, where he works, those at the top get less. Executive director Terry Lande said that the agencies he has worked for have all done it this way. Administrative Division director Amy Swenson said in certain years the park district’s upper management has taken a lower COLA.
Staff also look at the salary scale every five or six years to compare responsibilities and make sure all the positions are where they should be on the scale. Commissioner Tom Swolgaard said he fully supports the 4.5% COLA as well as merit increases.
The board also approved tax assessment for the Sakai Park bond for $518,975. Goodlin asked when that would be paid off, and Swenson said approximately 10 years after it began in 2015.
Recreation Superintendent Bryan Garoutte said the main registration webpage has been updated, and the winter/spring recreation catalog is posted online with registration in January. He also said the BI Recreation Center is doing a food drive to benefit Helpline House, there are 285 kids signed up for the basketball league making 33 teams, and the middle school dance canceled due to a power outage has been rescheduled.
Park Services Division director Dan Hamlin said the Williams-Olson Park project is underway. Clearing leaves has been the big priority for horticulture and trails staff. And the dog park fencing project has begun.
In other news:
• Goodlin said he picked up his campaign signs from the recent election, in which he was re-elected to the board. He also met with Melissa Timme, his opponent, to discuss her interests.
• Goodlin also said he met with Paul Webber, who is part of the group that is evaluating building a private pool on BI. Lande also said he met with Steve Letson, who is part of the group.
• Commissioner Jay Kinney asked if there is an update on the tennis courts at Sakai Park. Lande said staff is waiting for stormwater permits.
