Beth Ferback

The meeting addressed financial reports, including the approval of the December Schedule of Payables, Resolution 2025-16. Key discussions involved expenditures for the Wakefield MetroPark project and clarification on a reimbursement grant process for Perkins Township. During public comment, concerns regarding pedestrian safety at the Castalia Quarry MetroPark crosswalk were raised, prompting discussion about coordinating with ODOT for high-visibility signage improvements. In Old Business, the Board authorized moving forward with the final design for Option #2 of the Osborn MetroPark Perimeter Path. Resolution 2025-18 to establish an Asset Acquisition Fund was approved, while Resolution 2025-17 was tabled for further legal review. New Business included the approval of the 2026 Board Meeting Calendar, retaining the 2026 Board Officers, and approving the 2026 Capital Improvement Report and Equipment Replacement items. The 2026 Interim Appropriations were also approved. During Executive Session, topics included property purchase, employee compensation, and pending litigation, resulting in a motion to negotiate a settlement regarding holdback funds and a motion to approve staff raises, which passed with two affirmative votes.

The meeting addressed financial reports, including the approval of the November Schedule of Payables and discussion of the Capital Projects Fund Budget. Public comments were heard regarding the adult deer hunt at Edison Woods. The Director's Report highlighted the completion of pickleball courts and the unsuccessful Clean Ohio Grant application. Old business included tabling the Osborn MetroPark Perimeter Path project for further clarification. New business involved tabling resolutions to establish a Capital Fund and an Acquisition Fund pending guidance from the Erie County Budget Commission and the passage of H.B. 309. The board also acknowledged and filed the Credit Card Summary and completed mandatory fraud training before entering an executive session to discuss property purchase and employee compensation.

The meeting addressed financial matters, including the approval of the December Schedule of Payables and the 2022 Interim Budget. A presentation was made by the Firelands Area Pickleball Association concerning the addition of more pickleball courts. The Executive Director reported on insurance for the Milan-Jenkins warehouse, an agreement with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy and Vermilion beach, and plans for the nature center. The board approved additional COVID time for staff and authorized a salary pool for staff distribution in 2022. Revisions to the Employee Compensation and Classification policy for seasonal staff and a new Accommodation policy were also approved. Additionally, the 2022 Board Meeting Calendar and Board Officers Slate were approved. The board entered an executive session to discuss the purchase or sale of property and personnel compensation.

The meeting addressed financial reports, including a review of the Schedule of Payables and Capital Projects Fund Budget. The board discussed the Osborn Fall Festival expenses, liability insurance for mobile axe throwing, and charges for pressure washing at Castalia Quarry MetroPark. There was also discussion regarding toilet dispensers at the Roger Johnson Nature Center and uniform reimbursements. The Director's Report highlighted the success of the Osborn Fall Fest and updates on pickleball court repairs and Wakefield Beach renovations. Old business included discussion of the Osborn MetroPark Perimeter Path, and new business involved authorization to create new funds for future capital projects. The board also entered an Executive Session to discuss property purchase, employee compensation, and legal matters, ultimately rejecting the Erie County Budget Commission resolution and authorizing legal counsel to counter ODOT offers for Rt. 6 properties.

The meeting included discussions and decisions regarding financial reports, including the approval of the March Schedule of Payables. A presentation and discussion occurred regarding the addition of new pickleball courts, resulting in the decision to table the discussion of painting lines for pickleball on the tennis courts until the April meeting. The Executive Director's Report highlighted social media outreach, upcoming events, progress on the James H. McBride Arboretum, and the ordering of a new playground. The board also discussed the proposed nature center plans and authorized moving forward with sponsorships. The 2022 Final Budget was reviewed, clarified, and ultimately approved. The board acknowledged and filed the Special Permit Summary and Credit Card Summary. An executive session was held to consider possible legal action.