Minutes
Regular Meeting of theMarion Park District Board of Commissioners
January 26, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Administrative Office (1401 N. Otis Street, Marion, IL 62959)
Regular Meeting Minutes
1. Call to Order
President Gott called the Regular Meeting of the Marion Park District to order at 6:02 p.m. with the following Commissioners present:
Commissioner Sheffler
Commissioner McReynolds
Commissioner Welch
Commissioner Gott
Commissioner Gardiner is absent from the meeting.
2. Open Forum
There are no public attendees during the Regular meeting.
3. Approval of Regular Meeting January 26, 2026, agenda
Commissioner Welch made a motion at 6:03 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to approve the agenda for the Regular Meeting on January 26, 2026. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
President Gott moved to item 10f (Discuss / Approve Ryan Farley regarding the project on the East side of the Soccer Complex at 6:03 p.m.
Ryan Farley presented the Board of Commissioners plans for developing a residential neighborhood in the area East of the Soccer Complex. The need for drainage is the main topic of discussion. The contractors will have to install a drainage ditch onto the Marion Park District property. There is discussion of the location of the drainage. President Gott brought up that the Marion Park District does not want any future costs and would like that drawn up in the documents. Ryan Farley took notes from the Boards comments and will take it to the City of Marion for approval.
President Gott moved back to item 4 (Approval of the Tax Levy Hearing Minutes: December 15, 2025) at 6:35 p.m.
4. Approval of the Tax Levy Hearing Minutes: December 15, 2025.
Commissioner McReynolds made a motion at 6:36 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Sheffler to approve the agenda for the Tax Levy Hearing Minutes: December 15, 2025. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
5. Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes: December 15, 2025
Commissioner McReynolds made a motion at 6:38 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Sheffler to approve the minutes for the Regular Meeting on December 15, 2025. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
6. Approval of the December 2025 Financial Report
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 6:40 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve the December 2025 Financial Report. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
7. Department Reports
a. Administration
b. Park Services
Executive Director Odum reported to the Commissioners of projects with Park Services and outlooks for 2026.
8. Commissioner’s Reports
President Gott asked the Commissioners if they had anything to report. Commissioner Sheffler states that they believe it is a good idea to keep a watchful eye on MYBSA Board. Commissioner McReynolds and Commissioner Welch didn’t have anything to report. President Gott said that he is keeping an eye on the Marion Heights TIF that is due to end in 2026. He said that the TIF can be extended but it has to have written approval by all taxing bodies. He will keep everyone posted.
9. Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act (if requested):
a. (21) Executive / Closed Minutes – Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under Illinois Open Meetings Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes.
b. (1) Personnel – To consider the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony or complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.
c. (5) Real Estate – the acquisition or lease of real property or the selling or rental price of real estate.
10. Reconvene to Open Session (possible actions following Executive Session)
11. New Business
a. Discuss / Approve annual review for concession stand (Field 5)
Commissioner McReynolds made a motion at 7:18 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Sheffler to approve the annual review for concession stand (Field 5). Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
b. Discuss / Approve Resolution 26-01, designation of OMA officers.
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:19 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to approve Resolution 26-01, designation of OMA officers. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
c. Discuss / Approve Resolution 26-02, designation of FOIA officers.
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:20 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to approve Resolution 26-02, designation of FOIA officers. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
d. Discuss / Approve interviewing and hiring for the Manager and Assistant Manager positions at the Aquatic Center.
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:21 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve interviewing and hiring for the Manager and Assistant Manager positions at the Aquatic Center. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
e. Discuss / Approve applying for the Energy Transition Grant for 2026.
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:22 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve applying for the Energy Transition Grant for 2026. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
12. Next Meeting Date: February 23, 2026
13. Adjournment
Commissioner McReynolds made a motion at 7:32 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Sheffler to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Marion Park District. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
In accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any individual who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in or benefit from attendance at the public meeting of the Marion Park District Board of Commissioners should contact Zach Odum, Director at 618-993-3940.