Nicholas Morchak

The board meeting agenda covers several key operational and financial topics, including the review of financial statements, check registers, and requests to increase appropriations for capital improvements. The executive director will provide updates on land transfers and grant funding. New business items include land acquisition and the acceptance of donated parcels, updates to the 2025 employee manual, participation in the ODOT road salt contract, revisions to police policies, and the authorization of special events in park facilities. Additionally, the development report will address monthly donations and the formal acknowledgment of grants and trusts.

The meeting included a mention of successful recent events in the MetroParks and the approval of disbursements. Key financial actions involved appropriating employee insurance income into the General Fund. The Board authorized the Executive Director to sign an Amended Agreement with Barry Dyngles for the Golf Course Restaurant, which includes language for selling alcoholic beverages, and a 3-year Beverage Agreement with 7UP for the Judge Morley Concert Series. Two requests for community events were approved: a 10km foot race by Humility of Mary Health Partners and a 5km run by the American Diabetes Association. Old Business covered an upgrade discussion with Staley Communications regarding the radio system, the announcement of a successful Ohio EPA grant to construct a rain garden at the MetroParks Farm, and an update on the Hooked on Fishing event. A former Commissioner was honored for his service.

Key discussions during the meeting included public comments addressing recommendations for a handicap porti-john, concerns regarding the deer management program, the cessation of ice skating in favor of the DEK rink, and a proposal for partnership to promote inclusive community engagement. The Finance Director/Treasurer presented and obtained approval for disbursements totaling $1,360,981.54. Appropriations were increased for Police Salaries & Wages ($12,347.13) using reimbursement from the Ohio Attorney General for training, and for Fellows Riverside Gardens Davis Center Capital Improvements ($47,553.42) funded by an insurance claim. The Board approved Resolution R-26-02 authorizing tax advance requests to the Mahoning County Auditor. Updates were approved for Lexipol Police Policy regarding impound lot fees. Approval was also granted for nine proposed Special Events/Races/Requests to Collect Funds scheduled throughout 2026. The MetroParks Foundation donation report for January 1-31, 2025, and the 2026 Annual Development Plan were approved. The Board held an executive session to discuss employment matters before adjourning.

The meeting commenced with the recitation of The Pledge of Allegiance and the election of board officers, resulting in Paul Olivier being elected President and Jeff Harvey as Vice President. Key discussion items during the public comments session primarily focused on deer management within the park, with several citizens expressing concerns and alternative proposals, including requests for tree carving and installing a restroom facility at The Flats. Financial matters included the approval of disbursements totaling $1,246,334.34, the presentation of the Fourth Quarter 2025 Credit Card Report, and the approval of the 2026 Permanent Budget. The Administration acknowledged Officer Paul Brode for his upcoming retirement after 27 years of service. The Board also approved the lowest and best bids for 2026 Chemical & Fertilizer contracts, ratified appointments to the Recreation and Education Citizens Advisory Committees, and approved the January 2026 Lexipol Police Policies. Finally, the Board approved the MetroParks Foundation donation report for December 2025 and Resolution R-26-01 acknowledging grants and donations for the period of October 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. The Board entered and exited an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

Key discussions during the meeting included the introduction of the new Golf Course General Manager. Financial matters involved approval of disbursements and several appropriation adjustments, including increases for Programs/Special Events and the Newport Wetlands Fund, as well as decreases across various Special Revenue and Capital Project Funds. Cash advances were approved between funds to avoid negative cash positions, followed by the adoption of the Temporary Budget for the first quarter of 2013. The Board approved updated 2013 Seasonal and Part-Time Employee Rates and accepted the lowest and best bid for Gasoline and Fuel Oil from Reed Oil Company. Approvals were also granted for the lease agreement for the Garden Café and updates to facility rental fees and catering policies for Fellows Riverside Gardens. The Board accepted changes to the wording regarding Overtime/Compensatory Time in the Employee Handbook and authorized the Executive Director to sign the Golf Pro Employment Contract for 2013. The updated Lexipol Policy Manual was approved. Resolutions honoring retiring Assistant Chief of Police Bruce Emery and Officer Wilbert Drayton were approved, along with the Tentative 2013 Board Meeting Schedule. The request from Glaciers Sports, Inc. for a "Night at the Races" fundraiser in February 2013 was approved. The session concluded with discussions held in Executive Session regarding Labor Negotiations and Property Acquisition.