Riverside Village Manager Peter Scalera has pointed out that his memo regarding restructuring the Department of Parks and Recreation (“Plan pitched to remake Riverside rec,” News, May 19) is not a recommendation from him.
“I was asked to evaluate whether moving parks and rec under public works is feasible,” he said Wednesday. “It’s not a recommendation. The savings is realized either way, whether we move it or not.”
The savings of $53,000 annually is largely the result of former Recreation Director Laure Kosey leaving the position earlier this year.
Scalera also said that while it could be argued that putting parks and rec under the public works banner would result in efficiencies, particularly with respect to the use of seasonal employees, efficiencies could be made within parks and rec itself by assigning a seasonal worker to the department.
“My number one concern was ensuring operations are maintained in parks and rec,” Scalera said. “I was very aware of not making a recommendation. It’s totally up to the board to decide.”