Aaron Hockman

This Strategic Plan for Summit Metro Parks outlines key community, recreation, and conservation goals. It focuses on six main goals: expanding conservation impact, managing assets and natural resources, connecting people and nature, strengthening community support, sustaining financial security, and recruiting and retaining talent. The plan aims to serve communities, address environmental challenges, conserve natural resources for public health and enjoyment, and inspire connections with nature, ultimately fostering thriving, connected natural areas and communities.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and confirmation of a quorum among the directors present. Following the director's report, which was highly commended, the board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included bills and resolutions. Discussion on old and new business primarily focused on internal policies related to rising COVID-19 concerns, including the implementation of new mass mandates, common use area guidelines, social distancing guidelines, and employment screening procedures for positive COVID-19 tests. Board members exchanged observations regarding staff and patron reactions to these health measures, as well as vaccine requirements at other organizations. Furthermore, the board discussed the positive reception of a recent public visibility accomplishment, including letters of commendation received from the public and architects. A discussion about recent internal events included recognition for an award given to a staff member and positive feedback on a new park sculpture and naming conventions for new facilities like the Himmel Lodge and Valley View Golf Course. The session concluded with plans for upcoming activities related to centennial themes and preparation for an executive session, although the final decision noted no executive session was held.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence for those impacted by systemic racism and violence. Key discussions focused on the approval of the August 11th board minutes. The primary new business involved the proposed annexation of the City of Twinsburg into the Summit Metro Parks district, detailed through a resolution process that requires 50 signatures from residents and subsequent approval by the Probate Court. This annexation is considered advisable as it protects natural features, enhances recreational and educational opportunities for northern Summit County residents, and ensures the territory is contiguous to the existing park district. In correspondence updates, a new partnership was announced with the Akron Garden Club and Cascade Locks Park Association to establish a native plant perennial garden honoring Bob Freitag and Christine Freitag. Additionally, funding was secured from an organization referred to as 'D' to support technology needs, such as green screens and software, to facilitate online outreach during the ongoing pandemic.

The meeting included the approval of the September 14th meeting minutes. A significant portion of the discussion, led by Nick, focused on the five-year federal funding priorities related to the trail network, specifically highlighting the Freedom Trail construction status (re-bidding the section between Market and Mill, and development of Freedom Four), the Highbridge Trail which involves addressing a 150-foot elevation change in coordination with city stormwater tunneling projects, and the Silver Creek Trail focusing on east-west connectors. The presentation also detailed plans for the Akron Secondary Trail to enhance safety by moving users off the road, including the acquisition of land for a new service center and trailhead parking near Springdale to improve operational efficiency. Public comment featured Ron Brubaker of Task Force advocating for the 12.5-mile Veterans Trail along an abandoned railway corridor, noting prior successful efforts in Stowe and Hudson regarding related segments.

The board meeting involved discussions and resolutions concerning park matters. Key topics included authorizing the executive director to negotiate with homeowners regarding properties near the Gorge Metro Park. Furthermore, the board reviewed and approved the 2021 recommended pay grade structure and the 2021 salary schedule C, aligning compensation with current market trends, following consultation with NFP Solutions.