UPDATE | Mill Creek MetroParks let go 15 employees in 'internal reorganization'

YOUNGSTOWN — In what Mill Creek MetroParks is calling an “internal reorganization,” it today let go of 15 employees.

Park leaders would not specify what positions were included in the firings. The Vindicator has learned at least two department heads were among those who were let go including Keith Kaiser, horticulture director at Fellows Riverside Gardens who has been with the park for 27 years, and Ray Novotny, park naturalist for 30-plus years.

“We have begun the process of our internal reorganization, and part of that internal reorganization includes a reduction in staff,” said Executive Director Aaron Young.

Young and a team of park police and other officials met with employees at three Metropark facilities this morning to conduct the immediate dismissals. Those let go were escorted out by park police.

Young said the decision was made “to ensure the long-term viability of the park.” He said the park’s recent passage of a 1.75-mill renewal levy with an additional 0.25 mills for capital improvements will provide funds for roughly half of the park’s capital-improvement needs over the next 15 years.

“The internal reorganization is estimated to save approximately $13 million dollars over the next 15 years and will significantly reduce the anticipated $15 million capital improvement shortfall that was projected over that same time period,” the park said in a release.

Young said he made the reorganization decision, with the support of the park board.

“The Board of Park Commissioners fully supports this reorganization as part of our commitment to efficiency and appreciates the positive results that are already being realized under Aaron’s leadership as Executive Director,” said John Ragan, park board president, in a release.