Minutes Regular Meeting of the Marion Park District Board of Commissioners Date: August 25, 2025Time: 6:30 p.m. (see call to order time below)Location: Administrative Office — 1401 N. Otis Street, Marion, IL 62959 1. Call to Order Presiding: President GottTime: 6:26 p.m.Commissioners Present: Commissioner Sheffler Commissioner Welch Commissioner Gott Absent: Commissioner McReynolds, Commissioner Gardiner Note: …
Minutes
Regular Meeting of the Marion Park District Board of Commissioners
Date: August 25, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. (see call to order time below)
Location: Administrative Office — 1401 N. Otis Street, Marion, IL 62959
1. Call to Order
Presiding: President Gott
Time: 6:26 p.m.
Commissioners Present:
Commissioner Sheffler
Commissioner Welch
Commissioner Gott
Absent: Commissioner McReynolds, Commissioner Gardiner
Note: Agenda header lists 6:30 p.m.; minutes reflect call to order at 6:26 p.m.
2. Open Forum
No public attendees during the Regular Meeting.
3. Approval of Regular Meeting August 25, 2025 Agenda
Motion (6:28 p.m.) — Sheffler; Second — Welch.
Action: Roll call. Result: Motion carried unanimously (those present).
4. Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes: July 28, 2025
Motion (6:30 p.m.) — Sheffler; Second — Welch.
Action: Roll call. Result: Motion carried unanimously (those present).
5. Approval of the July 2025 Financial Report
Motion (6:36 p.m.) — Sheffler; Second — Welch.
Action: Roll call. Result: Motion carried unanimously (those present).
6. Department Reports
Administration
Park Services
Aquatic Center
Report: Executive Director Odum reviewed reports and presented photos of Park Services projects completed by staff.
7. Commissioner’s Reports
Commissioner Gott asked for reports.
Commissioner Sheffler — none.
Commissioner Welch — none.
Commissioner Gott provided updates on tax extensions and tax payments.
8. Executive Session (5 ILCS 120/2(c), Illinois Open Meetings Act) (if requested)
(21) Executive / Closed Minutes — Discussion of minutes lawfully closed under OMA, for approval or semi-annual review.
(1) Personnel — Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees or legal counsel; including testimony/complaint to determine validity.
Motion (7:01 p.m.) — Sheffler; Second — Welch.
Action: Roll call. Result: Motion carried unanimously (those present).
9. Reconvene to Open Session
Motion (8:00 p.m.) — Sheffler; Second — Welch.
Action: Roll call. Result: Motion carried unanimously (those present).
(Possible actions following Executive Session.)
10. Old Business
a. Performance/Evaluation — Executive Director Odum (first year)
Motion (8:03 p.m.) — Sheffler; Second — Welch.
Action: Approve performance/evaluation with overall 3.65 — meets expectations.
Result: Roll call; motion carried unanimously (those present).
b. FY2026 Wage Increase — Deputy Director
Motion (8:05 p.m.) — Sheffler; Second — Welch.
Action: Approve $0.90/hour increase, retroactive to July 1, 2025.
Result: Roll call; motion carried unanimously (those present).
11. New Business
a. Tentative Budget Ordinance 25-01
Motion (8:28 p.m.) — Sheffler; Second — Welch.
Result: Roll call; motion carried unanimously (those present).
b. Resolution 25-03 — Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Grant Funds & Timeframes
Motion (8:29 p.m.) — Welch; Second — Sheffler.
Result: Roll call; motion carried unanimously (those present).
c. Redesign of Marion Park District Website
Budget: $10,000.00 (design + hosting for fiscal year).
Motion (8:35 p.m.) — Sheffler; Second — Welch.
Result: Roll call; motion carried unanimously (those present).
d. Hiring — Park Tech I (replacement for voluntary resignation)
Recommendation: Executive Director Odum recommended Austin Stephens as a replacement for Aaron Newlin in the Park Tech I position.
Motion (8:42 p.m.) — Sheffler; Second — Welch.
Result: Roll call; motion carried unanimously (those present).
12. Next Meeting Date
September 22, 2025
13. Adjournment
Motion (8:42 p.m.) — Welch; Second — Sheffler.
Action: Roll call. Result: Motion carried unanimously (those present).
Status: Regular Meeting adjourned.
Accessibility Notice
In accordance with 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.
