PARKS & RECREATION BOARD

CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD

MONDAY, January 26, 2009

REGULAR MEETING

7:30 P.M.

1. ROLL CALL. Ms. Green called the meeting to order at 7:31 pm. Present were Ms. Adams, Ms. Green, Ms. Hammond, and Mr. Pawlowski. Absent were Ms. Sanders and Mr. Boetcher. Also present were Parks and Recreation Director Steve Carr, Recreation Coordinator Don Ross, and a student from Pickerington High School Central fulfilling a class requirement.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 15 REGULAR MEETING. Mr. Pawlowski moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by Ms. Hammond. Ms. Adams, Mr. Pawlowski, Ms. Hammond, and Ms. Green voted to approve. Motion carried 4-0.

3. BOARD REORGANIZATION. A lengthy discussion ensued concerning the Board’s purview and the responsibilities of Board members. Ms. Adams asked about the term length for officers, and whether the group should elect a secretary. Mr. Carr explained that Council’s directive was for the Board to elect a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and to decide on a meeting day and time for 2009. Ms. Adams stated that if the group was going to re-structure, by-laws should be followed, and that she had not seen a copy of by-laws for the Board.

Mr. Pawlowski mentioned that the city does not employ a human resource employee to transition in new members, but that as a new member, Ms. Adams should consult a document prepared by the Review Committee. Ms. Adams had additional concerns. She questioned the term “board-driven,” and its pertinence to the Board. Mr. Carr explained that terminology applies to conducting Board meetings; he welcomes Board suggestions for agenda items, but staff will continue to develop agenda forms. The Board, however, will take the lead at meetings, while staff will advise and support in those circumstances. Ms. Adams asked about the Board’s interaction with Safety Committee, and wondered how pro-active the Board should be. Mr. Carr described the Board as an advisory group working at council’s will.

Mr. Pawlowski offered his view that the Board has historically flushed out ideas, and funneled them through Mr. Carr, who directs them to the Safety Committee, and they direct them to Council. Ms. Hammond elaborated, mentioning that the Board hasn’t been involved in action-item circumstances. Ms. Green added that she sees the Board’s important new role as becoming much more involved in developing the agendas. Mr. Pawlowski stated that a Board work session would be helpful, but he wondered how the Sunshine Laws would apply. Mr. Carr said that he would check on that.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Ms. Green nominated Ms. Hammond as the Board chairperson for 2009. Seconded by Mr. Pawlowski. Ms. Hammond, Ms. Green, Mr. Pawlowski, and Ms. Adams voted aye. Motion passed 4-0.

Ms. Hammond nominated Mr. Pawlowski as vice chairman for 2009. Seconded by Ms. Green. Ms. Green, Ms. Adams, Ms. Hammond, and Mr. Pawlowski voted aye. Motion passed 4-0.

Mr. Pawlowski moved that the Board’s meeting date should be the last Wednesday of each month, starting at 7 pm. Seconded by Ms. Green. Mr. Pawlowski, Ms. Adams, Ms. Green, and Ms. Hammond voted aye. Motion passed 4-0.

4. COMMUNITY COMMENTS. There were no community comments.

5. REPORTS

A. Parks and Recreation Director’s Report

(1) Mr. Carr reviewed a year-end report on department involvements and accomplishments, highlighting the Pickerington Community Pool, the Victory Park Playground Improvements Project, and the computer program for activity registration developed by Fiona Spears. He also noted the Special Events participation of the department, citing seven sponsorships, five co-sponsorships, and eleven events or committee situations to which the department lent support, liaisons, or committee membership. He also explained the financial support from Giant Eagle, Fairfield Federal, and KeyBank, which totaled $21,350 in 2008.

B. Council Representative’s Report. There was no report due to Ms. Sanders’ absence.

Coordinator’s Note: At 9:05 pm, Ms. Green excused herself due to a family obligation. The Board consequently had no quorum present. Ms. Hammond suspended all further Board business at that point.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY

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Donald R. Ross, Recreation Coordinator

ATTEST:

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Stephen A. Carr, Director