MetroParks board adopts changes, establishes advisory committees

July 11, 2016 at 9:38p.m.

Old wounds appeared on their way to healing Monday after the Mill Creek MetroParks board adopted several changes that some community members have been asking for since implementation in February of a controversial staff restructuring.

The changes, proposed by new board member Tom Shipka, include adding board work sessions and committees that will advise the board on various policy matters.

Shipka advocated in strong terms for immediate adoption of his proposals.

“These proposals reflect my best judgements as to how ... we can work to recapture some of the public confidence and trust that has been lost in recent months,” he said.

One proposal, set to take effect no later than January 2017, stipulates that the board host bimonthly work sessions “to provide for greater discussion of and deliberation of park matters by the board of commissioners and staff ... and greater input to the board by individuals and groups with special park concerns and interests.”

During those meetings, individuals and groups will be invited to make presentations to the board.