There are new arrangements pending for the Culver Town Park.
During Tuesday night’s Culver Town Council meeting, an ordinance was considered that repeals the community’s Park Board. The proposal was made for myriad reasons, but improving the park department’s operation was cited as among the primary reasons behind the change.
The measure repealing the ordinance from the 1960’s establishes a new chain of command, recommending a park superintendent who reports to the Culver Town Council. Town Council President Ginny Bess Munroe says the new ordinance allows for an advisory park board as well.
“According to how this is written, they would be appointed by the Council with the exception of the Union Township rep,” says Munroe. “If we were to adopt this as it’s currently written, the Union Township representative, if we have a board, they could appoint somebody as well.”
Previously, the position reported to the Park Board which kept the Town Council abreast of their activities.
The Town of Culver has recently conducted similar maneuvers, placing the EMS Board under their purview for more efficient operations and better employee retention.
Prior to making the change, the Town Council agreed to draft a letter thanking previous park board members for their service. Munroe says she can think of plenty of community members that have served on the board.
“Just like a council, every board that’s been there, those people have contributed with a lot of volunteer hours making numerous decisions about the park over the years,” says Munroe.
Some interest was expressed in using the advisory park board. The ordinance would require more specific language about their responsibilities if it were to move forward.
The Town Council approved the repeal ordinance on all three readings. The Council desired a bit of time before the beach opened during May.
