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Discussion on second shift staffing for parks
1:34:05
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Council Member Restler and Commissioner Donoghue engage in a discussion about second shift staffing for parks. Restler expresses concerns about the reduction in part-time headcount and the limited coverage of second shifts across parks.
- Restler points out that the part-time headcount is down by nearly 40% since the administration took office.
- He questions the adequacy of having second shifts in only two parks per council district.
- Commissioner Donoghue acknowledges the importance of second shifts and agrees to share a proposal for further expansion of the program.
Lincoln Restler
1:34:05
First is around second shifts.
1:34:08
You know, we know that the the budget proposed an increase in about 480 parks workers, including two hundred and thirty second shift workers, but that still leaves the the parks part time headcount down by nearly 40% since the time you all took office, 38%.
1:34:23
That's a massive reduction.
1:34:25
We are I I appreciate in your testimony that you highlighted that 200 separate locations, including a 21 of our busiest parks, are gonna be getting a second shift.
1:34:37
But think about that, that's two parks per council district.
1:34:39
How many parks do we have in each of our council districts that really need a second shift?
1:34:43
So McCarran gets one, but not McGolrick.
1:34:45
So Cabin Plaza gets it, not The Promenade.
1:34:47
It's not enough.
1:34:48
How many workers do you need to be how many additional workers do you need to be able to provide the necessary second shift so that our parks conditions improve?
1:34:57
The three one one complaints were way up this summer.
1:34:59
The number of parks in acceptable conditions were down this summer, down to 85%.
1:35:03
It's not surprising, you don't have the person power.
1:35:05
Somebody in Brooklyn Parks told me they haven't had this few staff in forty So what's the man the head count that we need, the person power we need to actually be able to achieve second shift staffing at the level that we should expect?
Susan Donoghue
1:35:19
Thank you, council member, for both the compliments and the questions.
1:35:24
So we are quite pleased with the expansion of second shift.
1:35:30
We know it makes a difference.
1:35:32
We know it is important.
1:35:34
What we try and do is target that second shift to those areas that we know are heavy barbecuing areas, the busiest areas in our parks.
1:35:44
And so that's why, you know, the over 400 positions that will be deployed to second shift are very helpful and important for us.
1:35:55
Know, as I've said, you know, as a commissioner, you know, I'd always welcome more resources.
1:36:01
We know second shift works and is important both for the coverage and the cleaning, but just to have the staff in the park into the evening.
1:36:12
I can't give you an exact number of Would you be willing
Lincoln Restler
1:36:15
to share a proposal with Thirakrishnan and OMB for what more robust For
Susan Donoghue
1:36:20
further expansion of second Yes.
1:36:22
Absolutely.
1:36:23
We can
George Sands
1:36:23
do Thank you.
Lincoln Restler
1:36:23
We would welcome that.
1:36:24
That would be very helpful.