Should Youngstown's park and recreation commission be eliminated?

YOUNGSTOWN — Some city council members say the park and recreation commission is no longer relevant and are strongly considering putting a charter amendment on the Nov. 5 ballot to eliminate it.

Council’s park and playgrounds three-member committee, along with two other councilmen, met today to discuss the issue with city Park and Recreation Director Robert Burke and Law Director Anthony Farris.

Councilman Paul Drennen, park and playground committee chairman, recommended a charter amendment to get rid of the park and recreation commission, created in 1935.

But the two other council members on the committee — Mike Ray, D-4th, and Janet Tarpley, D-6th — along with Councilman Nate Pinkard, D-3rd, suggested another meeting before a vote recommending city council put the issue before voters.

Council has until Sept. 6 to submit language for charter amendments for the November election to the Mahoning County Board of Elections.

The committee will meet Aug. 7.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com