Carbondale Reporter

Marion City Park District Board of Commissioners met Jan. 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. Call to Order

President Gott called the Regular Meeting of the Marion Park District to order at 6:10 p.m. with the following Commissioners present:

Commissioner ShefflerCommissioner McReynoldsCommissioner WelchCommissioner Gott

Commissioner Gardiner was absent at the start of the meeting

2. Open Foruma. Marion Connects, Amy Eckert, Alisha Carruthers, and John Holst to discuss a partnership with the Marion Park District and Marion Connects for events within the Parks.

Amy Eckert, Alisha Carruthers, and Michael Carruthers were present to discuss their ideas with the Commissioners on incorporating the Parks in the community with Marion Connects. They are looking for activities for adults and would like to incorporate something at Ray Fosse Park or Pyramid Park. They would be interested in having a family fun day at one of the parks. They will discuss and bring the Board a proposal.

Commissioner Gardiner arrived at the meeting at 6:32 p.m.

3. Approval of January 23, 2024, Agenda

Commissioner Gardiner made a motion at 6:42 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve the January 23, 2024, agenda adding the word Agenda that was omitted. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

4. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: December 19, 2023

Commissioner Gardiner made a motion at 6:43 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to approve the December 19, 2023, Regular Meeting minutes. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

5. Approval of December 2023 Financial Report.

Director Reed states that there were some issues with the financial reports for the meeting. There is information regarding the status of our accounts as of January 23, 2024. Commissioner Gott would like to move the approval to the next meeting. Commissioner Gott added that he would like to add to the February agenda to increase the percentage on the reserve.

6. Department Reportsa. Administrationb. Park Services

Director Reed went over the reports highlighting the projects that Park Service employees have completed during the month and pictures were also shown to the Commissioners of all the projects completed.

7. Commissioners Reports

Commissioner Gott asked the Commissioners if there was anything to report to Director Reed regarding the Parks. None of the Commissioners had anything to report.

8. Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act (if requested):

a. (1) Personnel – To consider the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony or complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.b. (5) Real Estate – the acquisition or lease of real property or the selling or rental price of real estate.

Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:10 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Gardiner to go into Executive Session. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

9. Reconvene to Open Session (possible actions following Executive Session)Commissioner Welch made a motion at 7:45 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Gardiner to approve reconvening into Open Session. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

10. New Business

a. Discuss / Approve a partnership with Marion Connects.

Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:47 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Gardiner to table a partnership with Marion Connects. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

b. Discuss / Approve Resolution 24-01, designation of OMA officers.Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:48 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve Resolution 24-01, designation of OMA officers. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

c. Discuss / Approve Resolution 24-02, designation of FOIA officers.

Commissioner Gardiner made a motion at 7:49 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Sheffler to approve Resolution 24-02, designation of FOIA officers. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:37 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Gardiner to approve the purchase of a stump chipper for Park Services. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

d. Discuss / Approve hiring of Manager and Assistant Manager positions at the AquaticCenter.

Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:50 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve hiring of Manager, Austin Gryzmala, and Assistant Manager, Gabe Kidd, and Sydney Donaldson, at the Aquatic Center. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

e Discuss / Approve hours for Manager and Assistant Managers for March / April / May2024 in preparation for the 2024 Aquatic Center (40 hours total for the 3 – month period,this is per Manager and Assistant Manager).

Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:51 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Gardiner to approve hours for Manager and Assistant Managers for March / April / May 2024 in preparation for the 2024 Aquatic Center (40 hours total for the 3 – month period, this is per Manager and Assistant Manager). Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

f. Discuss / Approve wage for Manager ($17.00 / hr.) and Assistant Manager ($15.50 / hr.)position for the Aquatic Center.

Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:51 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to wage for Manager ($17.00 / hr.) and Assistant Manager ($15.50 / hr.) position for the Aquatic Center. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

g. Discuss / Approve wages for lifeguards and concession position for the Aquatic Center.

Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:54 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Gardiner to approve wages for lifeguards and concession position for the Aquatic Center. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

h. Discuss / Approve FY2023 Audit prepared by Sarah Gibbens, CPA.

Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 8:02 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Gardiner to approve FY2023 Audit prepared by Sarah Gibbens, CPA. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

i. Discuss / Approve invoice from Sarah Gibbens, CPA in the amount not to exceed $8,200.00 for her services for the FY2023 Audit.

Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 8:02 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to approve invoice from Sarah Gibbens, CPA in the amount not to exceed $8,200.00 for her services for the FY2023 Audit. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

j. Discuss the job description and the selection / hiring of a candidate for the replacement of retiring Director of Parks and Recreation.

Commissioner Gardiner made a motion at 8:18 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to table the job description and the selection / hiring of a candidate for the replacement of retiring Director of Parks and Recreation. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

k. Discuss / Approve the formation of a selection committee to interview / suggest a candidate for the replacement of retiring Director of Parks and Recreation.

Commissioner Gott suggested the selection committee should consist of himself, Commissioner Gardiner, and Director Reed.Commissioner Gardiner made a motion at 8:20 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to table the selection committee of Commissioner Gott, Commissioner Gardiner, and Director Reed to interview / suggest a candidate for the replacement of retiring Director of Parks and Recreation. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

11. Next Meeting Date: February 27, 2024

12. Adjournment

Commissioner Welch made a motion at 8:21 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Marion Park District. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

In accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any individual who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in or benefit from attendance at the public meeting of the Marion Park District Board of Commissioners should contact Jack Reed, Director at 618-993-3940.

https://www.marionparks.com/2024/02/29/meeting-minutes-january-23-2024/