Minutes – September 21, 2026

Minutes
Regular Meeting of the
Marion Park District
Board of Commissioners
September 21, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Administrative Office (1401 N. Otis Street, Marion, IL 62959)

Regular Meeting Minutes

1. Call to Order

President Gott called the Regular Meeting of the Marion Park District to order at 6:05 p.m. with the following Commissioners present:

Commissioner Gardiner
Commissioner Sheffler
Commissioner McReynolds
Commissioner Gott

Commissioner Welch was absent from the meeting.

2. Open Forum

There are no public attendees during the Regular meeting of the Marion Park District.

3. Approval of Regular Meeting agenda for September 21, 2026

Commissioner Gardiner made a motion at 6:06 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to approve the agenda for the Regular Meeting September 21, 2026. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

 

4. Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes: August 24, 2026.

Commissioner Gardiner made a motion at 6:07 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to approve the minutes for the Regular Meeting Minutes from August 24, 2026. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

5. Approval of the August 2026 Financial Report

Executive Director Odum went over the financial worksheet for funds as of September 21, 2026, noting that the Marion Park District is in good financial shape and consistent with last year’s financial information.

Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 6:13 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Gardiner to approve the July 2026 Financial Report. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

6. Department Reports
a. Administration
b. Park Services

Executive Director Odum presented the Commissioners with both reports and provided pictures of projects that have been completed. Executive Director Odum also showed the Commissioners the new logo for the youth baseball and softball league and plans for 2027.

7. Commissioner’s Reports

Commissioner Gott asked the other Commissioners if they had anything to report during the meeting. None of the Commissioners had anything to report during this meeting.

8. Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act (if requested):

a. (21) Executive / Closed Minutes – Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under Illinois Open Meetings Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes.
b. (1) Personnel – To consider the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony or complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.
Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:15 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to approve of going into Executive Session. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

9. Reconvene to Open Session (possible actions following Executive Session)
Commissioner Gardiner made a motion at 7:23 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to approve returning to Open Session. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

10. New Business

a. Discuss / Approve Administrative Assistant job description with the Marion Park District.

Commissioner Gardiner made a motion at 7:22 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner
McReynolds to approve the Administrative Assistant job description with the Marion Park District. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

b. Discuss / Approve the advertising the Administrative Assistant opening with the Marion Park District.

Commissioner Gott asked how the job would be advertised with Executive Director Odum replying that it would be placed on Facebook. There was no action taken by the Commissioners as the advertising for the position is within the Executive Directors purview.

c. Discuss / Approve recommending to the Board of Commissioners the candidate of Administrative Assistant.

There was no action taken by the Commissioners as the advertising for the position is
within the Executive Directors purview.

d. Discuss / Approve revised cabin rental agreement.

Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:38 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Gardiner to approve the cabin rental agreement prices effective January 1, 2027, to $160.00 rental (Monday – Sunday) plus a $100.00 refundable deposit for the Boy Scout Cabin. The Girl Scout Cabin rental of $120.00 (Monday – Sunday) plus a $100.00 refundable deposit. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

e. Discuss / Approve utilizing Perry Weather for Ray Fosse Park lightning detection system.

Commissioners requested an updated proposal. No action taken.

f. Discuss / Approve increasing the field rentals for Ray Fosse Park / Pyramid Park for 2027 to the following:

$35.00 field rental ONLY
$45.00 drag field
$75.00 line field (Monday – Sunday)
$100.00 line field Sunday
$25.00 field light fee

Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 7:48 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Gardiner to approve the field rental fees as follows: $35.00 field rental ONLY, $55.00 drag field, $100.00 line field (Monday – Sunday), $25.00 field light fee per game. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

11. Next Meeting Date: October 26, 2026

12. Adjournment

Commissioner Gardiner made a motion at 7:52 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to approve the adjournment of the Regular meeting of the Marion Park District. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote with those present.

In accordance with the provisions of 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.