City of Pontiac Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Section 3
Administrative
Structure
The following describes how parks and recreation
facilities, activities and resources are
governed and administrated within the City
of Pontiac. The function of the various entities
with recreation responsibilities and the
overall administrative hierarchy of the City
is outlined. Additionally, City expenditure
and revenue trends are summarized.
Public Act 156 of 1917 (Local Government,
Operate System of Public Recreation) authorizes
cities, villages, counties, townships,
and school districts to operate local
recreation facilities and recreation systems.
The Act states that a city, village, county or
township may operate a system of public
recreation and playgrounds, acquire, equip
and maintain land, buildings or other recreation
facilities, employ a superintendent
of recreation and assistants and vote and
expend funds for the operation of systems.
City Organizational Structure
City Council/Emergency Manager
The City of Pontiac is currently in receivership
under Public Act 4 of 2011 after having
been determined to be in a condition
of financial emergency. As such, an Emergency
Manager has been appointed by the
Governor to oversee all City finances and
operations. According to the Act, the actions
of the City Council are subject to written
approval of the Emergency Manager. Thus,
the ultimate authority for the provision of
recreation in the City is held by the Council
with approval by the Emergency Manager.
In this manner, the budget and activities of
the various departments with responsibility
for recreation in the City are established.
Additionally, the City Council with approval
of the Emergency Manager has the responsibility
for the adoption of this 5-Year Recreation
Master Plan.
Department of Public Works & Utilities
Administrative functions related to the
operation of the City’s parks and recreation
programs have been delegated to the
City’s Department of Public Works & Utilities
(DPW). The DPW is currently led by an
Interim Director, with supervisory responsibility
for parks and recreation in addition to
such functions as streets, cemeteries, buildings
and grounds, public sewer and water.
The Forestry & Grounds Superintendent of
the DPW has primary administrative responsibility
for parks and recreation within the
City. In overseeing parks and recreation,
the Superintendent calls upon the experience
and resources of numerous staff.
City of Pontiac Parks and Recreation Master Plan
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