New MetroParks board members sworn in, details plans

CANFIELD

After taking the oath of office to serve on the Mill Creek MetroParks Board of Park Commissioners, Lee Frey and Thomas Shipka are ready to join the board for its regular monthly meeting Monday.

Mahoning County Probate Judge Robert N. Rusu Jr. on Friday swore in Frey and Shipka to serve out the remainder of the three-year terms vacated by the resignations of Michael Senchak and Scott Schulick.

Frey and Shipka identified what their priorities will be as they begin their tenures on the five-member board that has been embattled due to public backlash over a February staff restructuring that eliminated numerous park positions.

Frey said his priority is to increase public input into MetroParks business.

On a similar note, Judge Rusu on Friday told The Vindicator that he has plans to convene a permanent citizens advisory committee to counsel the MetroParks board on what members of the public view as priorities.

Read more about the matter in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.