Item 4.6 Hirings for the Parks Supervisor and Park Maintenance I Positions
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Parks and Recreation Parks and Recreation Director Jacobs July 13, 2026
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Consent Assistant City Administrator/Human Resources Hille 4.6 – Hiring Approvals
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative communication.
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and expectations in a
cost-effective manner.
X Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends the City Council approve the hirings for the Parks Supervisor and Park Maintenance I positions.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
City staff requests City Council approval of the promotion of James Gornick to the position of Parks Supervisor and the
hiring of Ethan Mitlyng for the Parks Maintenance I position within the Parks and Recreation Department.
The Parks Supervisor position was created following the retirement of the Parks Foreperson position, to provide
additional leadership capacity, enhance daily operational oversight, and support the continued growth of the City's
expanding park system, trail network, athletic facilities, and recreational amenities. This position is responsible for
supervising parks maintenance staff, coordinating daily operations, managing work assignments, ensuring regulatory
compliance, overseeing maintenance activities, and assisting with long-term planning and asset management.
Following a competitive selection process, staff are recommending the promotion of James Gornick to the Parks
Supervisor position at Pay Grade 9, Step 4. James has demonstrated strong leadership, extensive knowledge of the City's
park system, and a proven commitment to providing high-quality public service. His experience and familiarity with
department operations make him well qualified to successfully transition into this supervisory role.
The promotion of James Gornick creates a vacancy in the Parks Maintenance department. Following the competitive
interview process from the previous Parks Maintenance vacancy, the selection panel is recommending the hiring of
Ethan Mitlyng for the Parks Maintenance I position at Pay Grade 3, Step 1. Ethan demonstrated the knowledge, skills,
and work ethic necessary to perform the essential functions of the position and will be a valuable addition to the Parks
and Recreation Department.
The Parks Maintenance I position is responsible for maintaining the City's parks, trails, athletic fields, and recreational
facilities. Duties include park and facility maintenance, athletic field preparation, landscape maintenance, snow removal,
special event support, and the operation of maintenance equipment to ensure City parks remain safe, clean, and
enjoyable for residents and visitors.
Both candidates have successfully completed all required pre-employment screenings and background checks. Staff
requests City Council approval of the promotion of James Gornick to Parks Supervisor and the hiring of Ethan Mitlyng as
Parks Maintenance I.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• None
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to approve the hiring of James Gornick to the position of Parks Supervisor at Grade 9, Step 4; and to approve
the hiring of Ethan Mitlyng to the position of Parks Maintenance I at Grade 3, Step 1; both effective on July 19, 2026.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
General Fund – Park Maintenance (45200)
Yes