Darke County Park District

The meeting commenced with the decision to table the Minutes, Financial Reports, District Reports, and other business until the Regular Board Meeting scheduled for January 15, 2026. During the executive session, discussions were held regarding personnel matters, specifically extending an employee's unpaid administrative leave and an addendum to the Director's employment contract. Following the return to regular session, the board voted to extend the unpaid administrative leave for Lance Leber until March 19, 2026, contingent upon receiving medical updates and a doctor's assessment. Furthermore, Addendum #1 to the Director's employment contract was accepted.

The meeting included financial reports for June and July 2024, along with approvals for several resolutions related to appropriation line changes, revenue increases, tax levies, and a Nature Works Grant application for the Shawnee Prairie Preserve boardwalk trail replacement. The board also discussed and approved the purchase of a used dump truck and reviewed district reports, including maintenance needs and equipment. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting addressed several key items, including a resolution to transfer appropriations for the purchase of a used dump truck and accessories. Another resolution was approved to update the signature cards at Greenville National Bank, replacing the former commissioner with the newest commissioner. The board also discussed the possibility of allowing employees to donate sick leave to each other and reviewed the City of Greenville's policy on the matter. The Director's request to attend the NPRA two-year Director's school was also discussed, with the board approving the application for available scholarships. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters, specifically the potential status change of an employee, but no formal action was taken during the session.

The meeting included discussions on financial reports, resolutions for appropriation line transfers, and district reports covering director's activities, financial status, programming, volunteer efforts, maintenance, and updates from Bear's Mill and Friends groups. Old business included recreational trails, Bear's Mill restoration, and personnel manual updates. New business featured updates on 2025 board meetings and the appropriation budget approval. An executive session was held to discuss matters of land and personnel, followed by a return to regular session to address the creation of a Gift Shop Coordinator position.

The meeting included a review of financial reports, excluding the Special Projects Fund, and the approval of the August Financial Statement. Discussions and approvals were made regarding Resolution #25-14 concerning tax levies and Resolution #25-15 for the Tecumseh Trail BSF Phase I project with ODOT. Updates were provided on recreational trails, barn roof repairs, ODOT paving at Shawnee Prairie, bridge construction, and survey progress. The board discussed the appointment of a new Event Coordinator, Elli Earwood, and accepted the county's local government funding share. Health insurance rates for 2026 were presented and approved, and the board was invited to a tree planting event for the Darke County 250 USA Anniversary celebration.