SUMMERSIDE - Two city councillors say the city is moving too fast to replace the director of community services and are calling for a delay in filling that position until a review of the operations and responsibilities of the department is completed.
Bobby Dunn was relieved of his duties as director just over a week ago and advertisements have been published for a replacement.
Councillors Corey Thomas and Tina Mundy want the city to hold off on the hiring process pending a review of the department.
"The city combined a $50-million recreation complex and a recreation department," Thomas said.
"What should have been done at first was review the staffing model there. The time has come to talk about, or a least have the discussion, on reviewing the operating structure of the department. And looking at the idea of having both a general manager for the complex where the sole responsibility is to manage the complex and to look at programming and parks moving into a different department.
"These are things we, as a council, should have a discussion on."
Thomas called for a review prior to hiring a new director are supported in the city's Community Services Department Strategy plan.
In a section dealing with staffing, consultants advised, "in light of the significant cost and responsibility of operating that facility along with other staff responsibilities ... programming and events at the CUP have increased gaps in staffing have emerged. The degree to which these gaps reflect insufficient staff numbers, the way staff are deployed, or the skills and experience of existing staff needs to be assessed."
The Department of Community Services has had four directors in six years.
Thomas wasn't certain of the reason behind that but did say "that to me would be a clear indication that we need to review the operating structure."
"Our job is to review the operating structure of the city, the departments," he said.
"I've been on council for six years and it hasn't really happened,"
A problem facing delaying hiring a new director is the call for applications went out a week ago and close on Thursday.
