Sarah Buell

The meeting agenda covered organizational matters, including the re-appointment of two Commissioners and the election of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Resolutions were proposed for adopting the regular monthly meeting schedule for the remainder of 2026 and January 2027, and appointments to various regional planning and transportation study committees (Stark County Regional Planning Commission, SCATS Policy Committee, Technical Advisory Committee, and Stark Council of Governments). Financial reports for October and November 2025 were scheduled for approval, along with the payrolls and bills for the same periods. Old Business included updates on By-Law revisions, such as eliminating the redundant approval of payrolls and bills, and setting time limits for public speaking. New Business resolutions addressed requests for advance of taxes, transfer of certificates, annual authorization for funding requests, and the 2026 budget and service agreements. The Director's Report provided updates on capital projects, department activities, the recent annual volunteer dinner, employee recognition, and the progress of demolitions at Molly Stark.

The meeting included a staff presentation by the Enterprises Supervisor detailing the mission, goals, and revenue/activity statistics for Marinas, the Lily Pad Gift Shop, Concessions, Facility Rentals, and Cross Country Skiing, noting significant success for the 'Deck the Hollow' event. The Board approved the January 2022 Financial Reports and the payroll and bills for January 2022. Under Old Business, updates were provided on upcoming events and the Jackson Connector Trail - Tunnel Project, confirming partner approvals for funding allocation. New Business involved adopting the 2022 pricing and rate resolutions for Marinas, Facility Rentals, and the Tam O'Shanter Menu. The Board also passed a resolution for ODOT Final Participatory Legislation for the Jackson Connector Trail - Tunnel Project. Further resolutions addressed updating the 2022 Department Project Budget for mowers (Zero Turns) and UTVs, approving fund transfers for Land Acquisition Services related to the Ohio Power Company right-of-way license agreement, and approving staff changes concerning the appointment of the new Clerk to the Board and Alternate Clerk to the Board following a resignation. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to consider personnel and property purchase matters.

The meeting addressed several administrative and financial resolutions. Key actions included the adoption of the agenda and the confirmation of Commissioner appointments, specifically the re-appointment of Bill Bryan for a three-year term and the documentation of receipt of the Park Board Policy Manual by new and reappointed Commissioners. Officers were elected, with Denise Freeland named Chairperson and Bill Bryan named Vice-Chairperson. The Board adopted the 2022 and January 2023 meeting schedule and established a rotation for representation on the Friends of Stark Parks Board of Trustees, designating the Chairperson as the voting member for electronic votes. Appointments were made to the Stark County Regional Planning Commission and the Stark County Area Transportation Study (SCATS) Policy Committee. Furthermore, Robert A. Fonte was appointed as the representative for the Stark Council of Governments (SCOGS). Resolutions were passed to authorize weekly requests for advance tax revenue, transfer prior year certificate balances to the Project Fund Unallocated account, and approve a change order for the Sippo Valley Trail Bridge #4 replacement due to unforeseen site instability. The Board also authorized appropriations for the Tam O'Shanter Park Driveway and Parking Lots design using Clean Ohio Grant funds, certified funding for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs (FEMA/OEMA), authorized payment for an outstanding invoice for Sippo Lake Story Yard Signs, approved funding for the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition Trail Realignment project, authorized a service change and fund transfer for the website reservation system upgrade, approved the acquisition of the Tavares Property for the West Branch Trail extension, authorized applications for the Clean Ohio Trail Fund Grant for the Devonshire Trail Connector, and authorized an application for the Recreational Trails Program Grant for the Sippo Valley Trail Bridge #11 Replacement. Financial reports for the period ending November 30, 2021, and payroll/bills for November 2021 were approved.

The special meeting of the Stark County Park Commission addressed the Jackson Tunnel Project, focusing on a construction estimate change due to increased prices in paint, concrete, and steel materials. The board discussed and approved a resolution to allocate funds for the ODOT invoice, pending approval by Jackson Township Trustees and the Board of Education of the Jackson Local School District. Additionally, the board convened into and reconvened from an executive session to consider the employment of a public employee.

The meeting included presentations on OPRA, discussions on trail maintenance integration, and recognition of an award-winning Kinder Concert program. The board addressed financial reports, payrolls, and bills, and approved resolutions for naming Pike Ridge Park, joining the Community University Education Purchasing Regional Council of Governments (CUE COG), and disposing of unneeded assets. Discussions also covered non-encumbered expenses, a supplemental budget request for a speed monitoring trailer, and certificates of resources/appropriation for Tam O'Shanter Park. The director's report provided updates on capital projects, department activities, and collaborations with other organizations.