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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
Time: 6:26 p.m.
Presiding: President Gott
Commissioners Present:
Commissioner Sheffler
Commissioner Welch
Commissioner Gott
Absent: Commissioner McReynolds, Commissioner Gardiner
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
a. Administration
b. Park Services
c. Aquatic Center
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 (Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)) (if requested)
a. (21) Executive/Closed Minutes
Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under OMA, for approval or semi-annual review.
b. (1) Personnel
Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees or legal counsel; including testimony/complaints 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 (possible actions following Executive Session)
Motion (8:00 p.m.) — Sheffler; Second — Welch.
Action: Roll call. Result: Motion carried unanimously (those present).
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 & 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 replacement for Aaron Newlin.
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.
