Some city officials are questioning why a search is underway for a new Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department director when they have their candidate right in front of them.

Kim Underwood, an employee of more than 20 years with Park and Rec, has served as interim director since the death of Denny Maschka, who died in June. The city council and park board met Monday night to discuss the status of the search.

“I don’t think we have any question we have a person right here who can do the job for us,” park board member Don Fox said of Underwood. “She’s a very capable person.”

City council member Dick Pacholl agreed with Fox, citing how Underwood has served for many years with the department, and under two directors.

“She knows the role,” Pacholl said. “To me, it’s a waste of time; it’s a waste of money.”

The park board has chosen to conduct a “limited” search with the understanding that Underwood is a serious consideration for the position.

City administrator Jim Hurm said it is city policy and common practice that they conduct the limited search, even though Underwood is a likely candidate.

The department has a $2.8 million budget, and board members indicated they want someone in that supervisory role as soon as possible.

“It isn’t going to go away,” Fox said. “We need someone at the helm to take charge.”

The city anticipates a cut in Local Government Aid (LGA) from the state, which many believe will have a massive deficit in 2009.

Tom Dankert, administrative services director, said the “state forecast” is due Dec. 4. The city will know more about LGA then.

City council member Brian McAlister suggested they wait to hire for the position given the forecast.

A city hiring freeze has been discussed, Mayor Tom Stiehm pointed out, but “the top isn’t the place to start,” he said.

The job opening has been posted on the city Web site. Former director Denny Maschka was paid $77,000 per year, considerably more than the proposed approximate $53,000-$63,000 pay range. The city has researched what the position entails and what other cities pay for their park and recreation directors, which is how they determined the pay range.

The deadline for applications is Dec. 5; interviews are scheduled for Dec. 17-18.