Bonnie Houk

This document outlines the strategic plan for Preservation Parks, focusing on five key goals. These goals include achieving sustainable and strategic growth through land acquisition and resource optimization, enhancing and maintaining existing parks and services to ensure exceptional visitor experiences, cultivating a thriving and supported workforce for operational excellence, diversifying revenue streams to build future financial support, and enhancing communication strategies to foster engagement and community support. This document also serves as a progress report on the implementation of these objectives.

The strategic plan for Preservation Parks of Delaware County outlines a roadmap for 2019-2028, focusing on protecting and conserving natural and historic features and inspiring outdoor exploration and learning. Key strategic areas include acquiring additional land for new parks, enlarging and improving existing parks, constructing and improving trails and facilities, expanding educational programming and outreach, and protecting wildlife habitat and water quality. The plan aims to solidify Delaware County's position as a desirable place to live by providing convenient access to natural and scenic public parkland and meeting the growing needs of the community.

The meeting included discussions on the monthly budget report, with concerns raised about high year-to-date percentages for Materials & Supplies and Services & Charges. Actions were taken to reduce purchase orders and address property tax exemptions to improve the budget. The board also discussed and approved a Special Gathering Policy on a trial basis and decided against allowing access through River Run Preserve for a Norfolk & Southern Railroad project due to potential environmental impact. A change order for the Shale Hollow Preserve parking lot was approved, and the installation of a railroad crossing signal at The Trailhouse was approved with specific conditions. Additionally, grant applications were updated, and a site review report for potential park sites in Berkshire Township was presented.

The board meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. These included a report from the Delaware County Bird Club, updates on the Meredith State Road Trail, discussion of S.B. 219, and revisions to the Perkins MOU. The board also addressed a Cash on Hand Policy, a revised Company Vehicle policy, and an amended license agreement with the Delaware County Model Railroaders. Additionally, they discussed Community Park Improvement Grant (CPIG) 2016 Allocations, the River Run contract award, and resolutions related to the Cellar Lumber and Daugherty right-of-way. The meeting also covered department reports, a marketing plan and fee structure for rental of McKay Lodge, and an executive session to discuss land acquisition and personnel matters.

The meeting included updates on park projects such as the Blues Creek restroom facility and the Shale Hollow Preserve fence relocation. The board discussed and approved new dental rates. There was an update on the strategic plan, focusing on community awareness, operational plans, maintenance standards, and land acquisition. Budget revisions were presented, and professional leave requests were approved. An executive session was held to discuss land acquisition and employee compensation, followed by the adoption of Resolution #297 regarding changes to the employee handbook.