Public works staff asked the council to approve two additional full‑time field positions to support park operations and to maintain newly renovated facilities coming online.

The department said headcount has declined over the past 25 years while park acreage, vehicles and special events have risen. Joe (public works director) told the council the city previously had roughly 13 full‑time field staff and now has 12, while park acreage and public events have increased markedly; upcoming projects such as Rispin Mansion park work and McGregor playground will bring maintenance needs that motivated the staffing request.

Public works also reported ongoing capital work: the community center renovation is under construction, a playground (Treasure Cove) application is pending, the Cliff Drive resiliency design is advancing to seek Caltrans/FHWA funds, and the 40 First Avenue multimodal improvements are set for construction funding pursuit.

The department said the two proposed hires would be assigned to parks and funded in part with restricted Measure Q revenues. Staff also noted equipment and fleet changes (including the arrival of an electric sweeper received under a grant) and a need to keep a mechanic position at full time to support increased vehicle and equipment counts.

Council members asked for more detail on project timing and metrics for the new park staff; staff said the added positions would support higher maintenance standards at renovated sites and allow the city to meet increased event and facility demands.