05-28-2024 Agenda Packet
A.6:00 P.M. - CALL TO ORDER
B.ROLL CALL
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioners may postpone or remove items at this time. Commissioners may discuss adding
items to a future agenda during Commissioner Member Presentations.
D.PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
E.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
Commission Procedures allow for presentations from the audience at this time. If a motion is
required, the item will be forwarded to the next available agenda to allow for publication and
review prior to consideration.
F.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
F.1 Meeting Minutes: April 23, 2024
G.GENERAL BUSINESS
G.1 Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center Update
G.2 North Lotus Lake Park Storm Water Project - Riley Purgatory Creek Bluff Creek Watershed
District
H.REPORTS
H.1 2024 Summer Programs Preview
H.2 2024 Lake Ann Park Summer Programs
AGENDA
CHANHASSEN PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2024
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 7700 MARKET BOULEVARD
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I.COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS
J.COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS
K.ADMINISTRATIVE PACKET
L.ADJOURNMENT
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
May 28, 2024
Item Meeting Minutes: April 23, 2024
Item No:F.1
Agenda Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Prepared By Kate Vogt, Admin Support Specialist
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve the Park & Recreation Commission meeting minutes dated April 23, 2024.
SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Park & Recreation Commission meeting minutes dated April 23, 2024.
ATTACHMENTS
Meeting Minutes: April 23, 2024
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CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
APRIL 23, 2024
Chair Vasatka called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dan Eidsmo, Jim Peck, Rob Swanson, Scott Pharis, Kristin
Fulkerson, Michael Leisen, Sean Morgan.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Youth Commissioner Nischay Pattanashetty.
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Priya Tandon, Recreation
Manager; Amy Weidman, Administrative Support Specialist.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
OATH OF OFFICE
Amy Weidman completed the oaths of office for Sean Morgan, Michael Leisen, and Kristin
Fulkerson.
NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT OF THE 2024-2025 CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, explained the process of electing the 2024-2025
Chair and Vice Chair per the Park and Recreation Commission bylaws.
Commissioner Eidsmo nominated Jim Peck to serve as the Commission Chair.
Commissioner Eidsmo moved to approve the election of Jim Peck to serve as the Park and
Recreation Commission Chair. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with
a vote of 7 to 0.
Commissioner Peck nominated Dan Eidsmo to serve as the Commission Vice Chair.
Commissioner Swanson seconded the nomination of Dan Eidsmo to serve as Commission Vice
Chair.
Mr. Ruegemer asked if there was any other interest in the position of Vice Chair.
Commissioner Pharis voiced interest in serving as the Vice Chair.
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Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – April 23, 2024
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Mr. Ruegemer requested a vote to determine the Vice Chair nomination.
Commissioner Pharis was elected to serve as the Park and Recreation Commission Vice
Chair on a vote of 3 to 2. Commissioners Eidsmo and Swanson voted nay.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Eidsmo moved; Commissioner Swanson
seconded to approve the agenda as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, shared that the city received 46 applications for
the Recreation Supervisor position. They are hoping to fill the position by the end of May.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated March 26, 2024
Commissioner Pharis moved, and Commissioner Eidsmo seconded to approve the minutes
of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated March 26, 2024, as presented. All
voted in favor and the motion was carried unanimously with a vote of 7-0.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. Review Park and Recreation Commission Bylaws
Mr. Ruegemer stated that the Park and Recreation Commission Bylaws are reviewed annually in
April. He asked if there were any questions about the bylaws.
Commissioner Morgan asked if there were any specific changes to the bylaws.
Mr. Ruegemer responded that there were no significant changes.
Commissioner Fulkerson moved, Commissioner Swanson seconded to approve the Park
and Commission Bylaws. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a
vote of 7 to 0.
2. Recognize City Council Appointments to the Park and Recreation Commission
Mr. Ruegemer invited the new Park and Recreation Commission members to share their
background information.
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Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – April 23, 2024
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Commissioner Morgan stated he is a newer resident to Chanhassen and has worked in public
policy.
Commissioner Leisen voiced excitement to contribute to the city while serving in this role.
Commissioner Fulkerson stated that she is a ten-year resident of Chanhassen. She previously
served on the Environmental Commission.
Mr. Ruegemer welcomed all new commissioners and voiced excitement for their input.
Chair Peck provided background information on himself and welcomed the new commissioners.
REPORTS:
1. Easter Egg Candy Hunt Evaluation
Priya Tandon, Recreation Manager, reviewed the Easter Egg Candy Hunt that took place on
March 30. She thanked community sponsors and the Chanhassen Fire Department who helped
make the event possible. She provided recommendations for the 2025 Easter Egg Candy Hunt.
Commissioner Morgan asked how the funds raised from this event were utilized.
Ms. Tandon stated that they were put into the general fund and tried to remain budget neutral.
Mr. Ruegemer explained the budget process for these events. He stated that special events are
often subsidized by event sponsors.
Commissioner Pharis asked what the sponsors contributed.
Ms. Tandon answered that if there is a specific event, the sponsor can give to that event. Some
sponsors contribute a set sum at the beginning of January to help with event costs.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Pharis moved; Commissioner Eidsmo seconded to adjourn the meeting. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0. The Park and
Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
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Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – April 23, 2024
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Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
May 28, 2024
Item Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center Update
Item No:G.1
Agenda Section GENERAL BUSINESS
Prepared By Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director
SUGGESTED ACTION
Update
SUMMARY
Work on this concept began with the 2017 Parks and Recreation System Plan. Extensive community
engagement and broad participation demonstrated that residents have a strong desire for an indoor
walking track, indoor ice, and an expanded community center. The City Council appointed a Parks
Referendum Task Force in 2022 to further refine community priorities.
City Manager Laurie Hokkanen will provide an update that will illustrate and expand upon project
details.
BACKGROUND
The Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center is envisioned as a new regional recreation destination for all
ages. The city hired BKV Group and Kraus-Anderson for concept and design work. The facility may
include amenities like an indoor walking track, two sheets of ice, a field house with turf and gym space
available year-round, an indoor playground, a community room, and a privately operated restaurant.
The facility would be located in the southeast corner of the Avienda development, at the intersection of
Highway 212 and Powers Boulevard.
Over the past five years, local option sales taxes have become an important investment tool for cities
and counties to fund major public projects. In 2022, 14 cities had 21 ballot questions for local sales
taxes to fund capital projects of regional significance. Of the 21 proposed projects, 18 were approved by
voters.
The City of Chanhassen approved an agreement for the University of Minnesota Extension Office to
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conduct a study. Results showed a 0.5% local option sales tax would pay the debt service on $40
million bonds for the project over 20 years.
The sales tax expires in 20 years
If bonds for the facility project are paid off early the sales tax expires
The only way the tax could be extended or used for other projects would be if the Legislature
authorized the change and Chanhassen voters approved
Sales Tax does NOT apply to groceries, clothing, gas, or automobile purchases
Sales tax option would spread the tax impact of the project across both residents and non-
residents
Approximately 55 percent of a local sales tax would be paid by residents of Chanhassen and 45
percent of nonresidents
Other funding sources include requesting state bonding, selling naming rights, bonds, and user
capital contributions
Chanhassen residents will vote on the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center and the local option
sales tax on the November 5, 2024 ballot
Further project information can be found on the city webpage project page.
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
May 28, 2024
Item North Lotus Lake Park Storm Water Project - Riley Purgatory Creek Bluff
Creek Watershed District
Item No:G.2
Agenda Section GENERAL BUSINESS
Prepared By Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director
SUGGESTED ACTION
Update
SUMMARY
Terry Jeffery, District Administrator with the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District
(RPBCWD) will provide the Park and Recreation Commission an overview of a storm water project
located at North Lotus Lake Park. The project contains many facets and the overall goal is to improve
the water quality flowing into Lotus Lake.
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
May 28, 2024
Item 2024 Summer Programs Preview
Item No:H.1
Agenda Section REPORTS
Prepared By Priya Tandon, Recreation Manager
SUGGESTED ACTION
SUMMARY
The following is a list of upcoming preschool, youth, and family programs offered this summer by the
Chanhassen Park & Recreation Department. More information on individual programs can be found on
the city's website or in the 2024 Spring/Summer Chanhassen Connection publication.
Preschool Programs (Ages 3-6)
Summer Discovery Playground Program (14 sessions)
Small Fry T-ball (4 sessions)
Small Fry Track & Field (2 sessions)
Lil’ Star T-ball (4 sessions)
Lil' Star Track & Field (2 sessions)
Tae Kwon Do Tigers
Go Gymnastics Tinys (2 sessions)
Go Gymnastics Minis (2 sessions)
Go Gymnastics Littles (2 sessions)
Princess and Prince Ballet Time (2 sessions)
Princess and Prince Ballet Time (2 sessions)
Youth Programs (Ages 7-16)
Summer Discovery Playground Program (14 sessions)
Lake Ann Adventure Camp (3 sessions)
Minnesota Twins Baseball Clinic (2 sessions)
Skyhawks Tennis Camp (3 sessions)
Skyhawks Beginning Golf Camp (2 sessions)
Skyhawks Pickleball Camp
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Skyhawks Cheerleading Camp
Skyhawks Flag Football Camp
Dance for Fun Jazz, Tricks & Turns (2 sessions)
Dance for Fun Technique, Tricks & Turns (2 sessions)
Tae Kwon Do Junior Orientation (2 sessions)
Tae Kwon Do Junior Beginner
Tae Kwon Do Junior Advanced
Kids' Night Out
Safe Kids 101 (2 sessions)
Babysitting 101 (2 sessions)
Teen Volunteer Program
Family/Intergenerational Programs
Music Together Lakeside (2 sessions)
Women and Girls Self-Defense Seminar
Teen & Adult Tae Kwan Do
Charcoal and Acrylic Art Classes (6 sessions)
Summer Concert Series, sponsored by Old National Bank (new location at Lake Ann Park!)
41st Annual 4th of July Celebration
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
May 28, 2024
Item 2024 Lake Ann Park Summer Programs
Item No:H.2
Agenda Section REPORTS
Prepared By Priya Tandon, Recreation Manager
SUGGESTED ACTION
SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
The summer of 2024 is upon us and brings a sense of excitement along with it. Lake Ann Park plays a
vital role in that excitement.
The concession/watercraft rental building will be open between Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, August
18, seven days per week between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Concessions and watercraft
rentals will be available between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays as part of the Summer Concert
Series events. The Concert Series (sponsored by Old National Bank) offers free musical performances
on Thursdays June 6 - August 1, and will be held at Lake Ann Park while its standard location at City
Center Park is under construction as part of the Civic Campus Project. Staff will also evaluate the
popularity of Thursday evening rentals on non-Concert Series days, to see if later evening service
should continue in future years.
We are pleased to announce that Sophia Cook will serve as the Concessions Manager this summer.
Sophia was a concession worker for the 2022 and 2023 seasons at Lake Ann. She brings a positive,
hard-working attitude and will be a tremendous asset to our team. Sophia will take on the duties of
coordinating work schedules, ordering supplies, and day-to-day operations.
Staff is happy to announce that paddleboards will be available for rent again this summer. The city and
Grey Duck Paddleboard will continue our partnership to provide eight paddleboards. City staff will
coordinate all rentals and generated revenue will be shared.
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The staff has been busy processing picnic requests with many weekends already booked, however,
limited openings remain available. It is projected that approximately 100+ picnics will be scheduled,
resulting in over $15,000 in revenue. Lake Ann has two covered picnic shelters available to rent, the
Klingelhutz and Lakeside Pavilions, and Lake Susan Park has one shelter available for rental.
Beginning this year, the swimming beach at Lake Ann will not be staffed with lifeguards as it has been
in the past. The beach will remain open to the public during regular park hours (6:00 a.m. and 10:00
p.m.) but will be unguarded.
This change is due to the loss of contracted lifeguard services through the Minnetonka School District.
In October of 2023, the district informed staff that they were no longer able to provide lifeguard
services and that the existing contract was terminated. The termination of the contract was a result of
inadequate professional liability through the district's insurance carrier. Following the direction of the
Park & Recreation Commission and City Council, new contractors, and an in-house city lifeguard
program were both pursued as options to continue to offer lifeguard services at Lake Ann.
Unfortunately, neither a new contractor nor an in-house lifeguard program are viable due to insurance
issues and staffing shortages.
Lake Ann Park will be a busy place again this summer. Considering all of its amenities, the staff is
looking forward to providing a first-rate operation once again. If there are any suggestions to improve
our current services and offerings, please let us know.
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
Summer Concert Series at Lake Ann Park
Feb. 12 City Council Lifeguard Discussion
April 15 City Council Lifeguard Update
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THURSDAYS | 6:30-8 PM
NEW LOCATION LAKESIDE AT LAKE ANN PARK
Summ
Cnct S ies
Summ
Cnct S ies
at Lake Ann P a rk
Jazz
20 18
JUNE JULY
Juliet and The
Montagues
SeaWeeds
Indie 1
AUG
Abby
Spencer
Country
13 11
JUNE JULY
Ragtown
Trio
Country/Rock
Pan-handlers
Steel Drum
Band
Caribbean/Pop
Todd’n’Tina
Children’s
11 AM-12 PM
25
JULY
25 Todd’n’Tina
Children’s
11 AM-12 PMJULY
27 25
JUNE JULY
Matt
Hannah
Acoustic
Salsa del
Soul ft.
Frank Rivery
Salsa
6
JUNE
American
Bootleg
Cover
6
JUNE
American
Bootleg
CoverKICK OFFKICK OFFInformation at ChanhassenMN.gov/concert
concessions & watercraft rentals at every performance.
Food Trucks, Chanhassen Brewing Company,
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City Council Item
February 12, 2024
Item Lake Ann Lifeguard Discussion
File No.Item No: A.3
Agenda Section 5:30 P.M. - WORK SESSION
Prepared By Mitchell Czech, Recreation Supervisor
Reviewed By Jerry Ruegemer
SUGGESTED ACTION
Discussion
Motion Type N/A
Strategic
Priority Operational Excellence
SUMMARY
Since the 1970's, the city has contracted with Minnetonka Public Schools Aquatics Department to staff
lifeguards during the summer months at Lake Ann Beach. In October, Minnetonka Public Schools
informed staff that they were no longer able to provide lifeguard services and that our existing contract
was terminated. The termination of the contract was a result of inadequate professional liability through
Minnetonka Public Schools' insurance carrier. Minnetonka Aquatics has stated the district is not
pursuing additional coverage, so these services will not be available in future years.
BACKGROUND
With the termination of our current lifeguard contract, staff looked into numerous service options for
Lake Ann Beach moving forward. Potential contracted service agreements, in-house lifeguards, non-
lifeguard staff, and non-staffed beach scenarios were researched. While researching potential contracted
service agreements, the same issue regarding professional liability insurance proved to be an issue.
Staff was unable to find an outside organization that was interested in providing a contracted service
that was similar to our past agreement with Minnetonka Public Schools. After consulting with several
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local cities and counties, staff developed four options of service for Lake Ann Beach with an
anticipated amount of expense for each.
Option #1: No staffed lifeguards or beach monitors
Total Expense: $2,000
Option #2: Beach Monitor on staff from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Total Expense: $10,909.35
Option #3: Closed every Monday during the season and open one less hour per day (in-house staff,
open 62 days during the season from 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
Total Expense: $39,550.30
Option #4: Same service level as years prior (in-house staff, open 72 days during the season from
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
Total Expense: $47,323.71
DISCUSSION
This item was reviewed at the January 23, 2024, Park and Recreation Commission meeting. Discussion
centered around staff, safety, budget, and liability concerns. The city carries no additional liability if
beaches are left without staff as long as proper signage is in place. Currently, Lake Ann Beach remains
open outside of guarded hours, and Greenwood Shores Beach, Roundhouse Beach, and Carver Beach
are all unstaffed year-round. Since 2014, there have been three lifeguard water saves at Lake Ann.
Neighboring cities that removed lifeguard services noted a false sense of security when they formerly
had lifeguards on duty, and guardian vigilance increased when they were removed. With recent
shortfalls in staffing along with a nationwide lifeguard shortage, there is uncertainty the city would be
able to obtain enough staff to successfully execute an in-house lifeguard option. However,
commissioners expressed a desire to have some level of service at Lake Ann Beach which narrowed the
options down to Option 2 and Option 3.
Following the discussion, commissioners moved to recommend to the City Council to staff lifeguards
from Thursday to Sunday, which would be a modified Option 3. If this is not doable, proceed with
Option 2 with a beach monitor and updated signage. Staff estimates the cost of this modified Option 3
to be roughly $30,114.70.
BUDGET
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
Lake Ann Lifeguard Presentation
Lake Ann Lifeguard FlashVote Results
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Lake Ann Lifeguard Expense Breakdown
Park & Rec Commission Discussion Summary
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City Council Item
April 15, 2024
Item Lake Ann Lifeguard Discussion
File No.Item No: A.1
Agenda Section 5:30 P.M. - WORK SESSION
Prepared By Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director
Reviewed By
SUGGESTED ACTION
Discussion
Motion Type N/A
Strategic
Priority Operational Excellence
SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
At their February 12 meeting, the City Council reviewed the four lifeguard options assembled by Park
and Recreation staff. The council's discussion centered around can the city still provide some level of
lifeguard staffing at Lake Ann and whether can we do so with flexibility on the days lifeguards are
staffed without creating confusion with our Chanhassen community.
Lake Ann Beach Lifeguard Service Options Presented:
Option #1: No staffed lifeguards or beach monitors. Total Expense: $2,000
Option #2: Beach Monitor on staff from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Total Expense: $10,909.35
Option #3: Closed every Monday during the season and open one less hour per day (in-house
staff, open 62 days during the season from 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.) Total Expense: $39,550.30
Option #4: Same service level as years prior (in-house staff, open 72 days during the season from
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11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) Total Expense: $47,323.71
DISCUSSION
The council directed staff to pursue Option #3, which included developing program details, staffing
manuals, training requirements, and most importantly employee recruitment. Staff established an April
1 deadline to reevaluate the vitality of Option #3 with employment applications received. Listed below
were the recruitment options staff explored to secure Lake Ann lifeguards.
Career Centers - High Schools (3), Job Boards, Colleges/Universities (13) Job Boards
Social Media Post - Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter - (8) Posts, (3,535) Reach
Govdelivery - Chan-Happenings, Park & Recreation Monthly Newsletter (4) Additions, (23,520)
Recipients
City Website - Lifeguard Position (372) Link Clicks, Lifeguard Coordinator (385) Link Clicks
Print Advertising - Southwest News Media (6) Newspapers, (176,000) Recipients
203,812 Total Reach/Contacts
With the lack of lifeguard applicants (0 lifeguard, 1 lifeguard coordinator) and the inability to fulfill the
requirements of Option #3, staff will be moving on to Option #2, which identified a Beach Monitor to
be present at the Lake Ann Beach with the following details:
Minimum Hiring Age- 16+
Number of Monitors- Plan to hire 2-3 monitors. This should be enough to create a consistent
schedule. Concessions staff could fill in if there’s an absence, illness, etc.
Hours- 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Sunday, Goal is June 8 - August 18
Duties and Responsibilities
Greet visitors and provide information on the swimming beach and other facilities at Lake Ann
Park
Enforce all beach and park safety rules, regulations, and policies in a professional manner
Recognize and respond quickly and effectively to all emergency situations
Accurately complete accident and incident reports
Administer basic and emergency first-aid as needed
Resolve concerns and provide excellent customer service to park visitors.
The Beach Monitor job description is live now, and staff will monitor the progress of applicants until
May 15. If applications are low, the Council may need to consider Option #1.
BUDGET
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
Lifeguard Communications Information
Lifeguard Hiring Communications Report 2024
Beach Monitor Job Description
Presentation
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