STAFF REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: Regular Meeting of May 14, 2024
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Dante Hall, City Manager
SUBMITTED BY: Christopher Roke, Parks and Recreation Director Joseph Vasquez, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Volunteer Recognition
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends the City Council receive an update on Volunteer Recognition in the City of Hercules.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Hercules has been fortunate to work with many volunteers throughout the city and in many capacities. Staff would like to recognize these volunteers that play a role in the success of the city. The City recognizes that we cannot do what we do without the assistance from so many wonderful people willing to give their time and effort in many ways.
BACKGROUND:
The Hercules Parks and Recreation Department has traditionally benefited from our Senior Membership who will volunteer their time to help with meals, work the front counter, teach classes, and assist with many other programs and events. Earlier this year, we were able to recognize one of these senior volunteers by nominating her for an award through CPRS (California Parks and Recreation Society), for an Outstanding Volunteer. Staff was excited to accompany Dori Smith to the awards ceremony in Albany.
The Parks and Recreation Department also partners with 14 City Recognized Nonprofit groups who often provide help and assistance at a wide variety of programs and activities for the community. These groups often participate in annual events like the Community Cleanup Day and Tree Lighting. They have also been participating in our Trunk or Treat/PUMPKATAAZ event, as well as events like the re-imagined Rec EGGs-Po/Hydro Hunt.
Other examples of volunteers that help the city, including the Adopt-A-Park/Adopt-A-Trail program. And most recently, the City launched the Team up to Clean up program where residents join in on the first Saturday of each month at a different location to help keep the city looking great.
The Parks and Recreation Department recently helped launch the new Herculean Mile award that City Council has started, by recognizing community members and employees who go above and beyond. The first recipients were recognized at the March 26, Council meeting. Karen and Tony Sanchez received the Community Award, and Jeanne Krall (known as Jamin’ Jeanne) received the Employee Award.
For decades, the Police Department has leaned heavily on a dedicated group of volunteers for critical tasks that include fleet maintenance, traffic control, press releases, and case preparation for the District Attorney’s Office amongst other daily activities. These generous men and women fill many roles once occupied by other fulltime and parttime employees and devote countless hours of service. Their individual sacrifice ensures that our personnel perform their daily responsibilities seamlessly. Every volunteer takes pride in their efforts and makes an unquantifiable impact on our department and the community we serve.
ANALYSIS:
The City of Hercules has benefited from the many partnerships with the 14 City Recognized Nonprofit Groups, the group of dedicated volunteers at the Hercules Police Department and the Hercules Senior Center, as well as those giving their time in the Adopt a Park, the Team up to Clean up, and/or any other program in the city. And as mentioned above, there are countless other members of the community as well as business owners that have substantially contributed to the continued success of the City of Hercules.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The impact of the volunteers in Hercules is immeasurable. On behalf of the City of Hercules, I would like to acknowledge every volunteer that gives time to the city in any one or more of the above-mentioned capacities and extend my sincere thanks and gratitude for all the help. We value all of you and thank you for all your efforts and support.
ATTACHMENTS:
Herculean Mile Award and how to nominate someone for the 2024 Fall Activity Guide 2 Date Page 1