Trumbull County Metropolitan Park Commission

General business focused on budget discussions following communication with county commissioners regarding funding reductions. The board reviewed three budget scenarios for January through June 2025, ultimately agreeing on the third option, which included a reduced operational scope and a reduction in the Executive Director's work week. The Executive Director's position was transitioned to a 32-hour work week (Monday through Thursday) effective March 17th, with the Director accepting the reduction in hours to conserve funds. The board subsequently approved submitting a revised budget to the auditors based on an anticipated appropriation of $65,000 from the County Commissioners.

The meeting included public comments regarding the condition of the bike trail. Key discussions covered financial matters, including the approval of bills paid and appropriations. Specific financial actions involved approving an appraiser fee, a request for the second half of 2025 funding to the County Commissioners, and a request for 2026 funding. General business decisions included approving the acquisition of 153.799 acres of old rail line from the Ohio Department of Administrative Services for $0.00, pending legislative approval; approving appraisal fees for the English Property; and approving contracts for trail repairs and fence replacement associated with the Appalachian Community Grant Program. Compensation adjustments for the Executive Director, Zachary Svette, were approved, including a 5% raise effective January 1, 2026, and retroactive monthly compensation for work performed outside his job description. The board entered executive sessions to discuss the compensation of a public employee, and separately, to discuss pending/imminent court action and property purchase/sale.

The Special Board Meeting included a review and approval of the list of bills paid. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Second Half Budget Discussion and Vote, resulting in the approval of budget adjustments and necessary appropriations. These adjustments included increasing appropriations across most line items to cover 2025 costs, specifically allocating funds to restore the Executive Director to 40 hours with additional compensation, funding pavement repair for the bike trail ($3,500), and securing funds ($4,000) for a third independent contractor for maintenance. General Business involved approving multiple independent contractor agreements for Thomas Holbrook, Randy Sampson, and Barry Gwin for various work periods, and extending the portable restroom contract with United Site Services for three months.

The meeting addressed financial matters, including the approval of the list of paid bills and an appropriation transfer of funds designated for Motor Vehicle expenses, which included a lease vehicle transfer. In general business, the board approved a permanent easement with Trumbull County for the Force Main Project related to the Pendelton/Gilmer Sanitary Sewer Project, pending OEPA approval. The board also approved the purchase of a used 2022 Chevrolet Colorado truck, opting for only a bed liner installation. The Executive Director presented his report, and the board reached a consensus on the policy for employee mileage reimbursement, specifying that reimbursement starts from the first site/park of the day and excludes travel to and from the employee's residence.

The meeting included public comments primarily focused on the projected $4.6 million cost of the Mahoning River dam removal project, with arguments presented both in favor of removal due to environmental concerns like flooding and sewage backup, and against claims of historical significance. In general business, the Board discussed the Zero Funding Plan previously approved and the subsequent legal actions filed by Warren Township and the county commissioners to halt the dam removal project. The Board debated potential budget cuts in response to the funding situation, ultimately passing a motion to petition the commissioners for a budget that is 15% lower than the previous year's budget. The Board also approved the bills listed in the financial report.