A new evaluation process for the park superintendent sparked discussion at Wednesday’s Park Board meeting, where members also selected a site for tennis courts at Moberly Park and heard a report on the recent ATV races.
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The board recently completed an evaluation of Park Superintendent Jason Shuler, something that has not been formally done in the past. When agreeing to start an evaluation process last spring, board members indicated it is being done to improve the park system and the services provided, as well as provide a basis for merit-type salary increases.
Board member Marti Williams, who was not on the board when the evaluation process was implemented last spring, said there is no need for an evaluation since Shuler is “evaluated” by the board at each month’s meeting. Other board members disagreed, with Duane Helmandollar stating that the evaluation can be “as positive as it is negative.”
Molly Long re-emphasized that the evaluation is a tool to improve the park system and that it should be viewed as something that helps Shuler and the board to work together in identifying goals for the department that will then improve services to the public.
Board President Paul Bruinsma said he had talked with Shuler about the evaluation process and that he had indicated the process would actually help him. Shuler told the board that he does not have a problem with the evaluation at all and that it will help “get the park board and the park department on the same page every year.” He said it will also give the board a basis to say that he met or exceeded goals that could possibly lead to a merit pay increase.
Gary Berry said he does not have a problem with the evaluation process but wants to ensure that the board is not micromanaging Shuler. Bruinsma said micromanaging is different than what he feels the board wants to do.
“We want to give him (Shuler) the big picture item and let it go,” he said.
Mrs. Williams asked if the board had actually voted on the evaluation process and, when it was not immediately known if they had, Mrs. Long made a motion to conduct an annual evaluation on the park superintendent. The motion passed 5-1, with Perry, Mrs. Long, Berry, Bruinsma and Helmandollar all voting yes and Mrs. Williams voting no.
Board members heard a report from Trenton Community Developer Ralph Boots on the recent all-terrain vehicle races held at the grandstand. Boots said the preliminary report shows total income of $4,565, with expenses of $3,877.61. The profit was split between the park board and the North Central Missouri Fair Board, with each taking a $687.39 split. Boots discussed the economic benefits the race had on local businesses and said there are no more races scheduled in Trenton this year.
Perry said that since taxpayer money is being used to hold the races, he feels the park board should be making as much money as possible on the events. He suggested that the board bid out the concession stand, with bidders stating what percentage of profits the board would receive. Currently, the Lions Club, which constructed the concession stand at the fairgrounds, does all the concessions at any event held at the fairgrounds and Boots said the organization normally gives back 10 percent of the net proceeds. Perry said he thinks the board should discuss whether or not the concessions should be bid out prior to another event being held there.
Also discussed was the replacement of the tennis courts at Moberly Park. Approximately $33,000 in donations and estate money is available to use toward that project, which would include one tennis court and a multi-use court. There has been previous discussion concerning whether to put the court in the general area of the current location or to move it down the hill to a more level location. After discussion, it was agreed to leave the court in the general area of its current location, with the grounds committee to decide exactly where it will be located. The board voted to re-bid the project in hopes of getting more bids than the one that was received during an earlier biding process.
The renovation of Grimes Field was also a topic of discussion, with the board approving an expenditure of up to $1,200 for an engineered set of reports from Olsson Associates. The plans will be used with a grant application that would help pay for a retaining wall, backstop and netting at the field. Shuler reported that all of the supplies necessary to install the additional required lighting at the field have been received, with Grundy Electric Cooperative slated to help install the lights. Board members also discussed the college’s commitment to follow through with the renovation of the field, something several board members feel is not being done.
In other business, the board:
• heard a presentation from Jackie Soptic on the role and responsibilities of the park board and the Sunshine Law.
• agreed to look into the cost of purchasing the equipment that would allow Shuler to laser grade the ballfields.
• heard a request from Trenton Fire Chief Rick Morris to provide pool passes to firefighters and their families. Morris said he is trying to recruit more firefighters and he feels that the passes would serve as an incentive. The issue will be discussed at the next meeting.
• gave approval to the placement of donated playground equipment at Moberly Park.
• changed the regular meeting time from 4:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. beginning in October.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday Oct. 5 at city hall.