MEEKER | There was an ERBM Recreation and Park District board meeting Tuesday, April 16.
Quarterly reports were a major agenda point. Of special note was the Capital Investments Projects (CIP) report. As of March 31, the total of all CIP expenditures was $753,000. This includes projects and equipment such as: Circle Park pond construction; Circle Park Phase II planning; district signage (monument signs additions/replacements); zero depth slide installation; spa UV filter installation; sports field lighting (which will go up next week); fitness equipment; and others.
The Donations Report reflected the contributions ERBM Recreation and Park District makes to other entities. As of March 31, money has been allocated to the following: MACC/Event and Drama Support ($7,500); Meeker Classic/Sheepdog ($5,000); Mountain Valley/Fall Festival ($3,000); Range Call/Event Sponsorship ($800); School District IGA ($6,000); CRV Little League ($2,500); Rio Blanco Golf Association ($20,000); and the United Way/Employee Contribution Match Program ($700; this includes 1:1 match for every dollar contributed through payroll deduction). The total of all these allocations is $45,500.
The Quarterly Investments Report was also noteworthy. From several investments, the interest earned to date is $31,000. Also of that date, the total net assets of the rec district is $9,622,503.
Much time was spent reviewing the 32-page, full-color, picture-filled Annual Report, which is available at the rec center for anyone who wants a copy. It is extremely informative and should answer any question one might have concerning the rec district.
Foremost on the agenda was Executive Director Sean VonRoenn’s desire for a workshop meeting, a “District Roundup,” for the entire staff. The proposed date for this meeting is the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 22. The rec center will be closed for that time so that all staff can be present for update and planning. The proposed agenda is: employee recognitions and awards; state of the district updates (annual report and strategic planning); focus groups for strategic planning; staff feedback; and anonymous Q&A discussion. The board will also be invited to the meeting, although it will not be open to the public. A motion was made to that effect, seconded and passed.
VonRoenn also “planted a seed” for a board workshop at the May 21 meeting for the purpose of “intense discussion” about the future. Topics will include, among others: annual budget development timeline; master plan prioritizing/10-year CIP discussion; and 10-year budget forecast. That meeting will start one hour earlier than usual (5 p.m.).
EDITOR’S NOTE: A careful re-read of the planned “District Roundup” workshop prompted the HT to ask Jeff Roberts, executive director of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, about the legality of a workshop to which board members are “invited” but the public is not welcome.
Roberts responded with the following: “The Colorado Open Meetings Law is clear that local public bodies must open meetings of a quorum of three or more members, whichever is fewer, at which public business is discussed or formal action may be taken. CRS 24-6-402(2)(b).”
“If more than two members of the board have been invited to the meeting, it must be open to the public and properly noticed. Full and timely notice is required before meetings at which the adoption of any proposed policy, resolution, rule, regulation or formal action occurs or at which a majority or quorum is expected to be in attendance. CRS 24-6-402(2)(c).”
By DOC WATSON | Special to the Herald Times
