Dotson to Head Parks Department

Benicia City Manager Brad Kilger announced in a statement released this week that he has appointed Michael Dotson as Parks and Community Services director, following the retirement of longtime Director Mike Alvarez. Dotson’s appointment is effective July 18.

In the press release Kilger said Dotson was chosen “based on his education and extensive experience in park and recreation administration, facility construction management and maintenance and familiarity with the City of Benicia."

Dotson is assistant director of Parks and Community Services and has worked for the city for 15 years. His position is being eliminated so Dotson’s responsibilities will include some of the tasks he does now.

"I'll still be involved in the day to day operations," he said. "I like that. I like to be involved in what is happening."

Dotson, a graduate of Sonoma State University, didn't consider a career in city government until late in his college career. "When I was in college I worked in the parks and recreation department in Rohnert Park, but I thought I would be a teacher," he said.

During his time with the city of Benicia, Dotson has worked closely with the Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Commission, the City Council, community groups and the general public. As assistant director of Parks & Community Services, his responsibilities included managing, directing and coordinating the operations for community services, building maintenance, administration and parks divisions.

That position will be eliminated, saving the city about $194,000 annually. The salary and benefits for the director's position are within the framework of the compensation reductions recently negotiated with the city's senior management. 

Kilger said that he considered recruiting for Alvarez's replacement but decided the cost was unwarranted.