Minutes
Regular Meeting of the Marion Park District Board of Commissioners
May 19, 2025
6:00 p.m.
Administrative Office (1305 N. Otis Street, Marion, IL 62959)
1. Call to Order
President Gott called the Regular Meeting of the Marion Park District to order at 6:07 p.m. with the following Commissioners present:
Commissioner Sheffler
Commissioner McReynolds
Commissioner Gott
Commissioner Gardiner & Commissioner Welch were absent from the meeting.
2. Open Forum
There was no one in attendance to the Regular meeting.
3. Approval of Regular Meeting May 19, 2025 agenda
Commissioner McReynolds made a motion at 6:08 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Sheffler to approve May 19, 2025 agenda. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
4. Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes: April 28, 2025
Commissioner McReynolds made a motion at 6:09 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Sheffler to approve April 28, 2025 minutes. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
5. Approval of the April 2025 Financial Report
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 6:13 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to approve April 2025 Financial Report. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
6. Department Reports
a. Administration
b. Park Services
Executive Director Odum went through the reports and showed pictures of projects to the
Commissioners.
7.Commissioner’s Reports
Commissioner Sheffler and McReynolds did not have anything to report. Commissioner Gott asked Executive Director Odum to contact Linda Byassee with the Woman’s Club regarding a butterfly station at the new administrative office. Commissioner Gott also suggested expanding the parking lot at the new administrative office.
8. 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.
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 6:30 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to go into Executive Session. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
9. Reconvene to Open Session (possible actions following Executive Session)
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 6:55 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to reconvene into open session. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
10. Old Business
a. Discuss / Approve adopting a Drug Free Workplace Policy for the Marion Park District.
No action taken on this matter, awaiting a response from the attorney.
11. New Business
a. Discuss / Approve estimate received from separating the electrical issues reported by MYBSA at Ray Fosse Park. This will separate the concession stand electricity and the field light electricity. The estimated cost is $9,000.00 to be completed by Electrical Specialist.
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:08 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to approve the estimate from Electrical Specialist in the amount of $9,479.92. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
b. Discuss / Approve Marion Carriage Rides LLC, owner Brent Erwin, offering carriage rides in the Parks for pavilion renters for parties, etc.
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:15 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to approve Marion Carriage Rides LLC, owner Brent Erwin, offering carriage rides in the Parks for pavilions renters for parties, etc. with the following conditions, parking of vehicles / trailer at Field 7 home dugout area and any trash, mess, to be picked up by owner. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
12. Next Meeting Date: June 23, 2025
13. Adjournment
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:17 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds 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.