MEEKER | ERBM Recreation District’s Board of Directors held their first meeting of the year Tuesday. The board considered funding requests from the Meeker Lions Club and Meeker Arts and Cultural Council (MACC).
Lions Club president Michael Miller explained that the club is actively raising money to install playground equipment at “Lions Park,” after the original park equipment was removed due to safety concerns. As of Tuesday, $11,250 had been raised toward a goal of $50,000. Miller said the Town of Meeker, some Lions Club members and local businesses had contributed.
The Lions Club plans to purchase the new equipment this fall and begin installation next spring.
Citing a limited pool of available money for 2021 and uncertainty about who would maintain park equipment and manage other related responsibilities, board members requested the Lions Club return in June when both parties will have more information. They also requested a price list with more specifics about how the money would be spent.
Stephanie Kobald met with board members by phone about MACC’s funding request, totalling $3,100. The board agreed to grant $2,500 to help cover expenses for the 2021 production of “Peter Pan.” Specific costs listed in the request include script licensing, costumes and props, set building and a backdrop rental. Kobald said the play will be shown in mid-March right before spring break.
Other action items included a decision to maintain Membership Blitz discounts throughout 2021, approval of December 2020 financials, quarterly reports, and review of the 2020 unaudited budget versus actual report. Directors also approved a proposal announcement for a lap pool resurfacing and leak repair project which is scheduled for May 3-23, 2021.
Staff reported that Rec Center membership and usage numbers in 2020 were down sharply from 2019 due to COVID restrictions.
During Executive Director Sean VonRoenn’s monthly report he commended staff’s management of the Rec Center’s reservation system, and ongoing efforts to keep up to date on shifting COVID restrictions. He noted that there had been some recent positive COVID cases and quarantines among staff, including pool staff members.
The board of directors and some staff members spent nearly 40 minutes in executive session to discuss legal counsel regarding the utilization of the Circle Park fishing pond, and patron criminal charges. After the session, they voted on a motion to add new signage to the park. It will include a notice stating that there will be no lifeguard on duty, along with fishing regulations.
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 16, 2021.
By LUCAS TURNER | [email protected]om
