Litchfield Park staff take on new roles

By Kelly O’Sullivan
Twitter: @AzNewsmedia

Several Litchfield Park staff members are tackling new roles under reorganizational changes that went into effect Oct. 26.

The Litchfield Park City Council approved the changes presented by Assistant City Manager Matthew Williams during its regular virtual meeting Oct. 21.

Under the reorganization, Tricia Kramer, who served as city special events coordinator for several years, was promoted to Community & Recreation Services director, a department head position that formerly fell under the assistant city manager’s umbrella. In addition to her new duties, Ms. Kramer will continue coordinating special events. She will report to Mr. Williams.

The move frees up Mr. Williams to focus on assisting City Manager Bill Stephens and overseeing emergency management, intergovermental agreements and economic development.

Traditionally, cities with an assistant city manager separate department head duties like Community & Recreation Services, with some department heads reporting to the city manager and others reporting to the assistant city manager.

Litchfield Park had combined the two responsibilities for nearly 20 years. Sonny Culbreth, who retired as assistant city manager in 2019, also wore both hats.

“The effort to establish a separate Community & Recreation Services Department head began just after my arrival and has been an ongoing effort over the past three years,” said Mr. Stephens, who began his tenure as city manager in March 2018. “The changes all started with a discussion between Sonny and I, initially, and continued with Matthew.”

“Separating the two is a good move for the department, said Mr. Culbreth, who continues to work for the city as management assistant.

READ: Litchfield Park staff receives 2% cost of living adjustment

Recreation staff reorganization

Recreation staff changes include division of duties that previously belonged to Recreation Office Manager Chris Weaver, who passed away in July after an illness.

Ms. Weaver worked for the city for 23 years. Her duties included serving as Litchfield Park Preschool director, supervising Recreation Center front office staff, producing the Cityline newsletter and Channel 11 city news, overseeing city media and the Recreation Department website

“Chris did an amazing job, and we can never fill her shoes,” Mr. Williams said. “We are blessed with a great staff that is flexible and always willing to rise to the challenge.”

Pat McCoy is now serving as sports coordinator. He will continue to manage city sports and will supervise rec center front office staff.

Preschool teacher Seye White is the new preschool director. In addition to director duties, she will continue to teach preschool classes.

Jenna Gore, who served as aquatics manager, is now aquatics coordinator. She will continue to manage the rec center pool, and will produce the Cityline newsletter.

In his report to the council, Mr. Williams said the office manager position was eliminated, saving the city $80,000 annually after pay adjustments for the four employees taking on additional duties under the reorganization. Each of those positions is salaried.

The council also approved Mr. Williams’ recommendation to hire Christian Tena as media assistant for 10 hours per week.

Mr. Tena is trained in video, photography and media production, and has been producing the flag-raising videos since summer.

He will continue promoting the city and special events, Mr. Williams said, noting Mr. Tena was being paid from money saved when the city closed the pool and canceled events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Rec Center cashiers also were reclassified in three tiers based on skill level. The change did not require additional personnel or pay raises, he said.

Other reorganizational changes approved include:

• Adding a part-time intern to the City Manager’s Office if grant funds become available. If funded, the intern would spend six months rotating between city departments.

• Changing the title of the Human Resources administrative assistant to HR/IT administrative assistant.

• Eliminating the Public Works project manager position, and returning the employee to his previous position as a Public Works supervisor. The Public Works roster also was updated to reflect that the department has 14 personnel classified as maintenance technician 1, not 13.

Kelly O’Sullivan can be reached at kosullivan@newszap.com or 760-963-1697.