R9N-Status Update On The Park Ranger Programr.-..-.
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City of Micmi Beqch, I 700 Convention Center Drive, Miomi Beoch, Florido 33.l 39, www.miomibeochfl.gov
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Philip Levine and Members of
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: February 11,2015
SUBJECT: STATUS UPDATE ON THE PAR RANGER PROGRAM
BACKGROUND
An enhancement was approved in the adopted FY 2014115 General Operating Budget to create
a Park Ranger Program in response to a growing need to provide improved security at our
parks. The allocated amount to fund the new program is $208,000. Representatives from Police
and the Parks and Recreation Department have been collaborating to develop a program that
ensures operational synergy between both departments. The program will be housed in the
Parks and Recreation Department. The Police Department will fund one dedicated Police
Sergeant position who will be assigned to work out in the field and oversee the operations of the
program.
A companion item is being presented at the February 11,2015 City Commission meeting
regarding Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 2015-013-WG for security guard services. The total
amount allocated in the FY 2014115 Police Department budget for contracted security services
is $1,382,766 ($947,804 General Fund and $434,962 RDA). ln lieu of providing contracted
security services to the parks, the Administration is recommending to reallocate a portion of the
FY 2014115 funding in order to fund a successful Park Ranger Program. This program would
provide in-house security services at the following City parks:
Soundscape Park
South Pointe Park and Pier
Flamingo Park
North Shore Park & Youth Center
North Beach Area Parks
The Park Ranger Program will provide staffing at the above referenced parks during peak
hours, including weekends and holidays in order to provide enhanced safety and security to our
park patrons. Job descriptions are currently being developed for the newly created positions
and will include job duties which mirror those of a Code Compliance Officer with respect to
issuing code violations.
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Agenda ttem RQ ll
Date 2-ll-ts.637
Commission Memorandum - Status Update on Park Ranger Program
February 'J.L,2015
Page 2 of 2
The proposed staffing for the Park Ranger Program is as follows:
o 1 dedicated Police Sergeant tasked with field work and operational oversight of the
program (funded by Police)
. 1 Park Ranger Field Supervisor (Full-Time)
. 5 Park Rangers (Full-Time)
o Part-Time Park Rangers - FY 2015116 = 22,130* hours (*estimated hours/14 PT
Rangers)
This proposed staffing will provide approximately 3,189 hours a month of security coverage at
the aforementioned parks during the current fiscal year (FY 2014115). This number will increase
to approximately 3,264 hours a month for FY 2015116. The dedicated Police Sergeant and the
civilian supervisor will both be assigned to work out in the field overseeing Park Ranger
personnel. These estimated figures are consistent with the current level of service being
provided through the existing contracted security services. The joint efforts from Police and
Parks and Recreation will help to ensure the City is providing the highest level of security
services for our park patrons. By maintaining oversight of the program, the City will gain better
control over the quality of staffing and customer service being provided. Administration
recommends the City Commission approve the reallocation of existing funding from contracted
services in order to implement the proposed Park Ranger Program. lf approved, the
Administration will finalize the necessary steps in order to begin the recruitment process as
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