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All comments from the public will be permitted at MetroParks meeting
YOUNGSTOWN
Everyone wishing to address the Mill Creek MetroParks Board of Park Commissioners will be allowed to do so at its Monday meeting, park Executive Director Aaron Young said during an interview on Vindy Talk Radio on Wednesday.
Asked to describe the parameters of the public-comment portion of that meeting, Young said it would be contradictory to the interest of transparency and open communication if he or the board were to limit the number of people who are permitted to speak.
He said he encourages attendance and comments.
The only public-comment requirements are that those who wish to speak sign up when they arrive at the meeting, and keep their comments to no longer than three minutes.
Young also noted that he hopes “common courtesy” will be practiced.
The meeting is expected to draw a large crowd of community members who are opposed to recent staff cuts at the MetroParks. Last month, park leaders implemented an internal reorganization plan that eliminated 20 staff positions (13 of which were filled at the time).
The restructuring is slated to save the MetroParks $13.2 million over the next 15 years to make up for a projected capital-improvement shortfall.
Young said the response to the staff cuts has been personal in some circles.
“It’s very hard for people to wrap their minds around a position elimination component that is not tied to performance,” he said. “And that’s what we did”
A group of more than 200 people – which included former volunteers, former park commissioners, former Executive Director Dennis Miller, members of wildlife advocacy groups, and others – opposed to the park staff cuts met earlier this week to debrief before the park board meeting.
Some of the stated goals of that group are the ousting of Young, reinstatement of park employees whose positions were cut and a better relationship between the park board and the public.
Bill Adams, who organized the community event, urged people to contact park leaders prior to the meeting, show up early on Monday and speak politely during public comment.
Board President John Ragan said in an interview this week that commissioners are prepared for a lengthy meeting, and, “We’ll be there as long as needed.”
Prior to the public-comment part of the meeting, Young will make a presentation on the internal reorganization plan.
Ragan said he hopes the presentation will assuage some concerns recently expressed by community members.
“We’re not doing anything behind anyone’s back. We’re just going to try to calm all the misconceptions out there,” he said.
The park board meeting is at 6 p.m. Monday at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield.