banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner

Local News

Discussion doesn't sway Barry Count Commission, but discussion appreciated (corrected)

An effort to have Barry County commissioners reconsider an appointment they made to the Charlton Park Board didn’t result in a change, but both sides agreed the open discussion let each better understand the others reasoning.

Last week the commissioners recommended Colleen Acker and Robert Spaulding for two open seats on the park board; the Charlton Park board had recommended former board member Lloyd Kilmer.

 

Park board member Doris Hale offered to step aside to make room for Kilmer; another board member Rick Moore, said Kilmer was an excellent fit for the board, brought great benefit to the park and their recommendation should be given weight because they know the applicants and how they will work.

 

Park board chairman Sharon Zebrowski said when Kilmer was on the board he provided excellent leadership, forward thinking and “worked on everything that happened in the park.” Kilmer resigned to avoid a conflict of interest with his job of delivering fuel oil in the county, Zebrowski said.

 

He said he would reapply for a seat when he retired in two years, which he did.

She agreed new blood was needed on boards, but also those like Kilmer, with knowledge to do the job well and who have the experience to be their leader to lead them forward

 

Commissioner Vivian Conner said the selection was fair, according to Roberts Rules of Order, and they did the right thing. Commissioner David Jackson said they may not have gotten all the information before hand, but noted that the applicants were all exceptional. “I hope he will stay involved with Charlton Park,” he said.

 

Commissioner Jon Smelker said a majority of the board voted for Colleen Acker, and he couldn’t see the board changing it. Commissioner Howard “Hoot” Gibson asked if Kilmer had volunteered during the two years off the board and learned that he had.

 

Zebrowski thanked the commissioners for the discussion, agreeing that the decision was theirs, and she was sure that Acker would do a great job for the park.

 

The commission approved several applicants for county boards:

*Agricultural Promotion Board: Bob Vanderboegh to the agricultural interest seat for three years. Vern Jenks withdrew his name from consideration for a partial term in the natural resources conservation seat.

*Animal Shelter Advisory Board: Tim McGavin in the citizen at large seat for the remainder of term that ends 12-31-18

*Charlton Park & Museum Board: Colleen Acker and Robert Spaulding to citizen at large seats for three year terms.

*Parks & Recreation Board: Don Hutchens as a citizen at large for a three year term. Vern Jenks withdrew his name for consideration for a citizen at large partial term.

 

A decision on appointing Carrie Larabee to the Community Corrections Advisory Board: for a three year term was tabled to allow Larabee time to schedule an interview.

 

Also, Tuesday, commissioners approved a $15,000 payment for the MDOT Bureau of Aeronautics to certify the precision approach path indicator lighting system at the City of Hastings/ Barry County Airport. The Hastings City Council approved the expense Monday, required since they are part of a joint operating agreement of the airport with the county. Commissioners also denied the rezoning request text amendment submitted by Lucas Spoor to allow marinas in mixed use zoning districts.

 

 

 

 

 

Listen Live

DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APP

FOR YOUR PHONE OR TABLET!

     

Weather

On Air Now

Chad Henry & Dave McIntyre
Chad Henry & Dave McIntyre
6:00am - 10:00am
Morning Show