Minutes
Regular Meeting of the Marion Park District Board of Commissioners
August 25, 2025
6:30 p.m.
Administrative Office (1401 N. Otis Street, Marion, IL 62959)
Regular Meeting Agenda
1. Call to Order
President Gott called the Special Meeting / Public Meeting of the Marion Park District to order at 6:26 p.m. with the following Commissioners present:
Commissioner Sheffler
Commissioner Welch
Commissioner Gott
Commissioner McReynolds and Commissioner Gardiner were absent from the meeting
2. Open Forum
There are no public attendees during the Regular meeting.
3. Approval of Regular Meeting August 25, 2025 agenda
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 6:28 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve the agenda for the Regular Meeting on August 25, 2025. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
4. Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes: July 28, 2025
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 6:30 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve the minutes for the Regular Meeting on July 28, 2025. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
5. Approval of the July 2025 Financial Report
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 6:36 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve the July 2025 financial report. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
6. Department Reports
a. Administration
b. Park Services
c. Aquatic Center
Executive Director Odum went through the reports and showed pictures of projects
completed by Park Services staff.
7. Commissioner’s Reports
Commissioner Gott asked the other Commissioners if they had anything to report, Commissioner Sheffler – no, Commissioner Welch – no. Commissioner Gott updated everyone on the tax extensions and tax payments
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 7:01 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve the 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 8:00 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to return to open session. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
10. Old Business
a. Discuss / Approve performance / evaluation of Executive Director Odum during his first year of employment.
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 8:03 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve the performance / evaluation of Executive Director Odum during his first year of employment with an overall performance of 3.65, meets expectations. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
b. Discuss / Approve FY2026 wage increase for the Deputy Director.
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 8:05 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve a $.90 increase per hour for the Deputy Director for FY2026 that will be retroactive to July 1, 2025. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
11. New Business
a. Discuss / Approve Tentative Budget Ordinance 25-01.
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 8:28 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve the Tentative Budget Ordinance 25-01. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
b. Discuss / Approve Resolution 25-03, Resolution Regarding Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Grant Funds & Timeframes.
Commissioner Welch made a motion at 8:29 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Sheffler to approve the Resolution 25-03, Resolution Regarding Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Grant Funds & Timeframes. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
c. Discuss / Approve a redesign of the Marion Park District website. Budgeted cost is $10,000.00 for design and hosting fees for the fiscal year.
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 8:35 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve a redesign of the Marion Park District website. Budgeted cost is $10,000.00 for design and hosting fees for the fiscal year. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
d. Discuss / Approve hiring Park Tech I, a replacement for a Park Tech I’s voluntary resignation.
Executive Director Odum made recommendation to hire Austin Stephens as a replacement for Aaron Newlin in the Park Tech I position.
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 8:42 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Welch to approve the hiring Austin Stepehns as Park Tech I. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.
12. Next Meeting Date: September 22, 2025
13. Adjournment
Commissioner Welch made a motion at 8:42 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.