RBC | Over the next three weeks we will be printing the responses to questions sent to each of the candidates for three special district boards — the rec district, the fire district, and the hospital district. This week we are publishing the Q&A’s from the candidates for the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District Board of Directors. There are seven candidates running for three four-year terms.
The election is Tuesday, May 6 with the Fairfield Center (200 Main St.) as the polling place for all three districts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be a separate ballot for each district. (If you received an absentee mail ballot for the rec district election, you can bring it with you to the Fairfield Center, mail it back before May 6, or drop it in the voter dropbox at the courthouse.)
Here are the questions asked of the rec district candidates:
1. What previous experience do you have with board leadership or community recreation programs?
2. How have you personally been involved with recreation services in Meeker?
3. How would you prioritize funding between facilities, programs, and maintenance?
4. Do you foresee any conflicts of interest if elected, and how would you address them?
5. What steps would you take to ensure the board follows Sunshine Laws and communicates openly with the public.
6. How do you understand the “chain of command” working in this organization between board, administration, and staff?
7. What ideas do you have for increasing youth and family participation in district programs?
8. What do you perceive as the most critical issue(s) facing the rec district at this time?
9. What role should the recreation district play in supporting local health and wellness initiatives?
10. Where do you see the recreation district in five years, and how would you help achieve that vision.
Kevin Borchard
1. I am currently serving on the Community Care Alliance (CCA) board. CCA was formed by the Western Healthcare Alliance to help support rural healthcare providers and critical access hospitals. I’ve been coaching youth basketball for the past six years. I’ve also participated in the Recreation District fitness programs. My family frequently uses the recreation center and participates in multiple programs.
2. I have been coaching youth basketball for the past 6 years, including all age groups. My children participate in many of the recreation programs throughout the year, including the USA swim team, soccer, basketball, tumbling and dance. My wife, Hanna, uses the pool frequently for training.
Meeker’s Recreation District has had a large impact in my life. As a child growing up in Meeker, I participated in USA swimming as well as youth basketball. Since moving back to Meeker, I have personally benefited greatly from our recreation services, using the pool to train for multiple Half Ironman races and triathlons, the weightroom, trail system, archery range and fitness classes.
3. All three are very important and interdependent. The funding for our current facilities and required maintenance are based on prior obligation and therefore need to be prioritized. However, programs offered by the Recreation District are where the rubber meets the road and have a high likelihood of impacting our community in a positive way. Prioritizing funding for programs with high levels of participation will ensure that these programs succeed and we continue to promote health and wellness in our community.
4. I plan to continue coaching basketball, but I place high value on all of our recreation and youth programs. If questions come up regarding funding for the basketball program, I would recuse myself in order to not show favoritism. Otherwise, I do not foresee any other conflicts of interest.
5. I will make sure I am fully educated on Sunshine Laws. I will evaluate the current procedures of the board, such as posting of agendas and minutes and board member communications to ensure their compliance with the current laws. I will also have an open door policy with community members if they have questions or concerns.
6. I understand board responsibilities to be setting policies and procedures for the district, managing the budget, setting the mission or vision of the district and managing the employment of the director. Issues that come up with staff should be brought to their managers, who in turn could bring the concerns to the director if they can’t solve the problem themselves. I do not feel it is the board’s responsibility to participate in the day-to-day operation of the district or to participate in personnel matters, unless those problems cannot be dealt with at the manager or director level.
7. Our Recreation District offers great programs that not only improve the health and wellness of our community but also provide great social opportunities to meet new people and make friends. I think increasing the participation in these programs can be accomplished with additional marketing so people know which programs are available. Advertising on social media, our local newspaper and the various community/school/athletic events that we have throughout the year would be a great way to make sure people know what activities are available to them. It is also important to keep an eye out for potential programs that our community members would like to participate in. Our parks and trail systems offer ample opportunity for outdoor recreation, which is already important in the lives of many community members.In the past, after school programs for elementary school children had significant participation, and I feel these programs would have a high likelihood of success in the future if they are brought back.
8. In my opinion the most critical issue at this time is staffing for the Recreation District. We’ve seen a lot of turnover over the past two to three years. Recently, There seems to be frequent reduction in hours for the pool due to lack of lifeguards. All of the employees, including activities, aquatics, maintenance and housekeeping, play an extremely important role in ensuring the success of the organization. Keeping these positions staffed and empowering employees will keep our facilities and programs running smoothly. It can be very difficult to recruit new employees to come to Meeker due to our remoteness and housing shortage. Every effort should be made to retain good employees and ensure that they have a good working environment. Concepts such as ownership and camaraderie are vital to the success of organizations and are typically top-down concepts. I would hope that I can bring these concepts to a board position. Another critical issue, of course, is funding. As our energy based economy evolves and funding decreases, it is more important than ever that we be good stewards of taxpayer money.
9. The Recreation District already plays a vital role in supporting local health and wellness initiatives. In addition to the personal experiences with my family and myself, I see the importance in health and wellness for our community on a daily basis. As an orthopedic surgeon specializing primarily in treating arthritic conditions, I can testify to the importance of exercise and fitness not only in our youth but in all age groups. By providing the facilities and programs to support health and wellness initiatives, the Recreation District will continue to play a vital role in improving and preventing chronic medical conditions and ensuring that our local population stays happy and healthy.
10. In 5 years I see the Recreation District being financially stable, providing increased opportunities for the promotion of fitness, health and wellness in our community and continuing to provide good employment opportunities. I would like to see the Recreation District maintain and preserve our facilities, parks and trail system. If funding became available, a Recreation District owned field house or gym would provide ample opportunity for all age groups to participate in fitness programs throughout the year. Overall, I would like to see a district that continues to serve all needs of the community from the youngest to the oldest. As a board member, I would help achieve that vision by making financially smart decisions now but also look for funding opportunities in the future. I would support initiatives by our Recreation District to improve programs or develop new programs to facilitate Health and Wellness in our community. I would support the employees of the recreation district and ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable place to work. Regardless of whether or not I am elected to the board, I will continue to promote and support our Recreation District and all of the great things that it does!
Peter Doan
1. In the past I have been on several leadership boards that have included a small business cohort group, as well as a church leadership and finance board in my previous community. From the community recreation programs perspective my experience is reflected in the use of programs and services. However, I have served the community as an assistant coach at the high school for the past 3 years and will continue to do so.
2. My family and I have been members of the ERBM for over 3 years. I personally use the gym facilities weekly and my children have been enrolled in almost every program available, from completing swimming lessons, dancing, tumbling, karate, basketball, football, and soon enough track. My wife has volunteered in some of the programs offered to the youth and you can often find us enjoying one of the parks with our kids.
3. I believe the prioritization of funding between facilities, programs, and maintenance would require in-depth conversations of the leaders of those programs. Understanding the challenges and complications of their specific programs would better inform where the greatest results could be derived from. From a snapshot perspective, as someone who uses the facilities and knows how rare they are for a community our size, it would be hard not to put an emphasis on maintaining what we currently have.
4. I do not foresee any conflicts of interest if elected. However I do think it is important for people to understand that I have a young family that utilizes the rec program significantly, that would undoubtedly be the lens in which I look at addressing issues or assisting in guiding the program.
5. From what I have seen the current board and leadership at ERBM is being thorough in ensuring the board follows Sunshine Laws and communicates openly with the public. This is my perspective because I have attended several board meetings as a public party. It was easy to see the upcoming dates posted in the lobby of the rec center. I have also used the website to access agenda notes to stay informed. I would say, if there is a sense of a need for improvement to these processes, I would be very open to that.
6. My understanding of the chain of command in this organization between the board, administration, and staff is one of three distinct roles. The board is responsible for providing guidance, vision, and setting objectives as they relate to different areas of responsibility within the organization. The administration is responsible for carrying out the guidance, meeting objectives, and doing so in a manner that is reflective of goals set forth by the board. The staff is responsible for execution and follow through. The entire process and chain of command, in my opinion, must rely heavily on clear expectations. This is often where organizations fall short with the adequate use of chain of command, poorly communicated expectations at one level or another.
7. My ideas for increasing youth and family participation really center around sustainability. I would love to see some of these programs continue to grow but also increase in deliverables. I think there are several things I would want to look at, such as why there are caps on certain program offerings that exclude children, sponsorship opportunities for children that may not be able to afford programs, and even partnerships. I think the development and betterment of relationship building with volunteers is critical to sustaining these programs as well. It is sad to see kids have to leave the community to participate in sports, I believe that can be addressed at some level through improvement of existing programs.
8. With only so much information I would assume that the most critical issue facing the rec district at this time is ensuring financial feasibility for the future. Sustainability appears to be an ongoing challenge.
9. I believe the rec district should be a part of the puzzle in supporting local community health and wellness. Working with the hospital, county, and other partnerships is important but honestly I think the most critical element is providing safe places for families and kids to engage in healthy behaviors. Whether that be utilizing parks and playgrounds or joining one of the outstanding dance programs offered.
10. In five years I would love to see a plan rolled out that addresses the issues and concerns that not only the rec district identifies, but also issues that have been identified from more engagement with the community. I do believe that engagement with the community in how the rec district serves the community could become better. I understand that most organizations can not make everyone happy, but giving a voice, facilitating conversation, and working together can bring resolution to some of the issues that are near and dear to people who value the rec district and its offerings. Sustainability and stewardship have to be the focus and in my opinion this can only be done through support and engagement with the community as a whole. My goal would be to champion that facilitation as a board, and seek to understand how the rec district can act as a tool to support itself and those it serves.
Andrea Gianinetti
1. I am currently the treasurer for the Chamber of Commerce Board and the president for New Eden PCS Board. I frequently listen to School Board and Town of Meeker meetings. I have been involved with community recreation programs as a parent, volunteer, participant, and coach and I care deeply about the benefit of the Recreation District to the local community.
2. I have been involved with recreation services here since I was a child myself in Meeker – playing soccer, ice skating, and swimming. My family and I have participated in and volunteered for recreation programs and used facilities, even prior to the new center. My husband, Nick, and I have both coached youth sports. I feel that the Rec. District is one of the best blessings to Meeker residents (young and old) and, simultaneously, that there is always room for improvement.
3. I believe we need to maintain the facilities we have while also looking to the future. I have not looked at the current budget, but would be looking for areas to allow us to maintain what we already have concerning facilities and programs far into the future. It seems like there is a substantial amount to maintain already, so unless the income is increased in the future, we should not take on any new facility maintenance or programs unless they are exchanged for another of equal value.
4. I do not foresee any conflicts of interest right now, but I am a local business owner and a family member of other business owners. If there were a situation where these businesses or family members were involved with the Rec. District affairs, I would abstain from commenting and/ or voting, if pertinent.
5. It appears to me that the board is acting transparently by holding meetings that are open to the public, allowing public comment, and publishing meeting agendas and minutes. I believe they could do a better job of communicating to the public about large scale and collaborative projects, where the funds are coming from for those projects, and the timeline of implementation.
6. Staff do their respective jobs, answering to the administration. Administrative positions do their respective jobs, answering to the director. The director oversees daily operations and decision making, answering to the board of directors, presenting issues to the board that require approval, and receiving directives to implement decisions made by the board. Board members approve budgets, projects, and provide direction for the director.
7. Providing quality content for our programs for youth & family is essential to participation and can be improved through employee retention. When an employee is excelling in a position, there should be initiatives to motivate them to continue to stay in their position, which naturally increases the quality of the program and will motivate continued or increase participation, focusing specifically on youth programs. Keeping the cost of programs down should also be a priority.
8. The most critical issues are budget, employee retention, and communication with the public. Large employee overturn causes inconsistency, lags in quality, and unnecessary burdens on administration to continuously hire. Continuity with employees can benefit facility maintenance as well as program quality by providing consistency and overlapping for training purposes. Retaining employees also frees up time for administration to communicate more effectively and provides employees with more time to sort out a routine that works for them and their programs.
9. When funding and staff is available, there should be partnerships with the local hospital, youth sports, and other local entities that promote health and wellness for our community, but the priority should be in doing an excellent job at what the recreation district has already been tasked to do.
10. Five years from now, the recreation district should be providing excellent programs at well-maintained facilities with a substantial benefit to the community, as they have been for years. I have seen the progress of the recreation district for the last 35 years and believe there is a bright future for our community through the help of many hands and minds. Serving on the recreation district board would be another season of my contribution. Thank you!
Trisha Granahan
1. I do not have direct experience with board leadership or community recreation programs. But I do believe my organization, communication, and advocacy skills will be highly relevant and beneficial in these areas.
2. My family has been utilizing the rec center programs and facilities our entire time in Meeker. My children have always been involved in the youth sports programs. We enjoy going to the pool as a family. I personally enjoy the workout classes and everything the fitness room has to offer.
3. I would like to engage with current board members to understand immediate needs and long term goals. Then work together to create a balanced funding strategy that addresses urgent maintenance needs while supporting essential programs and improving facilities.
4. I do not foresee any conflicts of interest. But if something were to arise, I would recuse myself from the situation, or decision making involving that matter.
5. I believe with any board it’s important to have regularly scheduled meetings that are open to the public. I would also make sure that I am educated on transparency and legal requirements.
6. In my experience, the chain of command flows from the board of directors to the administration (or management) who then oversee the staff. I will ensure I understand the chain of command accurately for the rec district.
7. I think continuing to offer a wide variety of programs and activities for all ages will keep participation high. If participation begins to decline, looking for the root cause and re-evaluating will be key.
8. Critical issues facing the rec district may include limited funding for maintenance and expansion, aging infrastructure, and a lack of programming that caters to diverse age groups and interests.
9. The recreation center is in a position to play a key role in supporting local health and wellness initiatives by offering accessible fitness programs and promoting active lifestyles.
10. I hope to see the recreation district thriving in 5 years. I would like to help achieve that vision by serving on the recreation board.
Michele Morgan
1. I currently sit on the Town of Meeker Planning Commission and have previously served on the Meeker Chamber of Commerce Board and a Methodist preschool board in Colorado Springs.
2. I have personally used the rec center since its opening in Meeker some 17 years ago, especially in the winter. My daughters grew up in many of the programs they had to offer, especially dance and basketball. I now spend most of my time on the outdoor trail system which is an amazing asset and great extension of what the Rec District has to offer. I also try to volunteer on the Trail Days, when I can, to help maintain and grow the miles of trails.
3. In prioritizing Rec District funds, I would look toward balance. New programs and facility improvements and additions are exciting. Maintaining what we have is incredibly important and cannot be neglected. Projects in all three areas should pass the litmus test of cost-effectiveness, demand and long-term sustainability. I think community input would be helpful to the board when making funding decisions that align with what residents want and need.
4. As of right now I do not foresee any conflicts of interest. If one were to arise, I would immediately disclose it and follow proper procedures and recuse myself. I believe ethical decision making and transparency are key in upholding public trust.
5. Here is that word transparency again, I believe it is vital for good governance. I would want to make sure that rules pertaining to district meetings continue to be adhered to. That meetings are posted, open to the public, minutes and decisions are readily available, and that community input is welcome. A community recreation district should do everything they can to keep its residents engaged and informed in recreation decisions.
6. I do not pretend to know the particulars of this rec board’s “chain of command”. In my experience and how I feel it works best is that it is the board’s role is to set policy, devise a strategic plan and approve the budget. Administration implements board policies and is in charge of daily operations. Staff run the programs and provide the services that make the organization successful. Good communication between all three levels is vital to having a smooth operation.
7. To increase youth and family participation in rec district programs, I think we would need to understand why we think they are NOT participating. Is it because they are participating in other programs through the schools or other clubs and organizations within our community? Is it cost or time prohibitive? Is it atransportation issue? Is there a demand for something that we don’t have that could bring more participation? I would honestly like to know the answers to these questions first before trying to come up with ways to increase participation when I don’t know what the roadblocks are.
8. Number one would have to be using our funds in a way that ensures that, not only our facility is maintained, but so are our trails, parks and current programs. We will need to be aware of rising costs and make sure that staffing needs are met. Increasing participation in current and future programs.
9. By its nature the recreation district is a health and wellness initiative. I think depending on other local initiatives it could be at the fore front or act in a supporting role. The rec district has either been or could be a welcome collaborate with the schools, hospital, and organizations like MAMBA, BLM, USFS, CPW, RangeCall, MACC and many others.
10. I would like to see the recreation district continue to responsibly maintain all of the facilities currently under their umbrella and continue to make them places that we can all be proud of. These are spaces that literally draw people from other communities to enjoy. I would like to see more expansion of our trail system which has huge potential in bringing more people to Meeker and thus work as an economic boost in the community. We should continue the programming that works well and find out needs and wants of community members and if there are programs out there that could satisfy those needs and enhance participation. I have always felt that as a board member you are not just there to sit at meetings and make decisions, you are also in that position to engage with the community and help where your individual skill sets allow.
Byron Rollins
1. I worked with Ferron city [Utah] on the zoning board and parks maintenance for 20 years.
2. My five grandchildren have been using the pool, gym and sports.
3. As needed.
4. Not that I know of.
5. I would keep an open mind and also would make the board meetings more welcoming to the public so more of the public would be more willing to come to the meetings.
6. As it’s followed by the way it’s in the handbook.
7. Having input by the youth and family participation.
8. Not enough public at meetings.
9. By more initiatives by the board.
10. By having more public input to try to have more help with funding to help maintain parks and recreation.
Lacey Rykhus
1. While I don’t have direct experience with board leadership, I am actively involved in the community and understand the importance of collaboration, planning, teamwork, and communication—skills I apply daily in my role as a teacher. My experience in education has given me valuable insight into how recreation and youth programs foster healthy development. I’ve witnessed firsthand how recreational activities benefit children by improving their physical and mental health, while also providing a positive outlet for energy and creativity. I’m passionate about supporting these opportunities for all ages and I’m confident that my leadership ability and my problem-solving skills will allow me to contribute effectively to the board.
2. My family and I have really enjoyed using the recreation facilities and participating in various programs over the years. My children have especially loved being part of the youth sports programs, with my daughter eagerly awaiting softball season and my son having had a great experience in the rec center’s basketball program. Personally, I’ve enjoyed the group fitness classes with great instructors and a fun atmosphere! We’ve always felt fortunate to have these opportunities, and our experiences have deepened my appreciation for the value these services bring to the community.
3. In prioritizing funding, I think it’s important to strike a balance that keeps our facilities and resources in good shape while also making sure our programs stay engaging and appealing. Maintaining existing facilities is key to preserving them, as neglecting maintenance can lead to larger, more costly repairs down the road. At the same time, funding for programs is crucial for community engagement, especially as recreational activities promote health, wellness, and social connections. When it comes to new facilities, it’s important to focus on community needs to ensure any new developments are sustainable and meet a variety of interests. Overall, I’d prioritize maintenance first, programs second, and new facilities as needed, based on community input and careful planning.
4. I do not foresee any conflicts of interest if elected. However, if any potential conflicts arise, I would address them by being transparent with the board and recusing myself from decisions where appropriate, always prioritizing the best interests of the community!
5. I would prioritize transparency by ensuring all meetings and decisions comply with Sunshine Laws, including public notice and access. I’d also advocate for regular updates to the community through various channels like social media, newsletters, and public forums to keep residents informed and engaged.
6. I understand the chain of command as a system where the board provides overall direction by setting policies, approving budgets, planning strategically, overseeing operations, and ensuring legal compliance. The administration then puts these policies into action, manages daily operations, and makes sure staff are equipped to carry out their tasks. Staff, under the administration’s guidance, handle the day-to-day activities that keep programs and facilities running smoothly. Clear communication and mutual respect between all levels are key to effective operations, with each part of the structure working together to meet the community’s needs and promote accountability.
7. I think the rec center already offers a lot of great programs, but to get more youth and families involved, gathering feedback through surveys or community forums would be really helpful. It’d give us a better sense of what people are interested in and help make sure our programs align. Hosting special events like themed family nights or more seasonal activities would also encourage participation and create some fun, memorable experiences. Strengthening partnerships with local schools can help promote our programs, and offering flexible scheduling like evening or weekend sessions could make things more accessible for busy families.
8. A key challenge is ensuring long-term financial sustainability while maintaining high-quality programs and facilities. Balancing community needs with budget constraints requires careful planning and prioritization. Additionally, increasing engagement across all age groups and ensuring accessibility and affordability to programs for all residents are important focuses for the district’s continued success.
9. The recreation district should be a leader in promoting health and wellness by offering programs that encourage physical activity, mental well-being, and social engagement. Collaborating with local health organizations, schools, and businesses can help expand resources, offer educational workshops, and provide access to fitness and wellness programs that benefit the entire community. By serving as a hub for community wellness, the district can help foster a healthier, more connected Meeker.
10. In five years, I see the recreation district as a thriving center for community engagement, with expanded programs and facilities that meet the needs of all residents. I would support this vision by advocating for strategic planning, community input, and sustainable funding to ensure continued growth and success.
