Lyons appointed to RJRD board; officers elected

by Sue Serdinak

Jan. 5 Richfield Joint Recreation District board meeting

Chairman Anita Gantner opened the meeting by calling for the election of 2023 officers. Gantner was elected chairperson unanimously after being nominated by board member Jeff DeLuca. Sandy Apidone was not present.

Gantner then nominated Mike Selig for vice chair and Jeff DeLuca for secretary. DeLuca nominated Dave Wehner for treasurer. All nominations were approved by unanimous vote.

Former mayor and councilperson Mike Lyons took his seat on the Richfield Joint Recreation District board after being sworn in by Richfield Village Council president Sue Ann Philippbar. Photo by S. Serdinak.

Richfield Village Council President Sue Ann Philippbar was asked to swear in the newest member of the board, Mike Lyons. A former mayor and village councilperson, Lyons was involved with the purchase of the Richfield Heritage Preserve and the creation of the Richfield Joint Recreation District. RJRD trustees appointed him to the open position on the board.

Philippbar also swore in Mike Selig, who was appointed by Richfield Village Council for a three-year term. He filled an unexpired term in 2022.

Richfield Township Trustee Don Laubacher swore in Mark Robeson. He was appointed by township trustees to a three-year term after serving since 2021 to fill an unexpired term.

Lodge consultant

Park Director John Piepsny reported that the contract of Shari Green for Lodge consultant services expired at the end of 2022. He recommended offering a one-month extension of her contract so the board could review the data regarding the rental income and expenses of the Lodge and the commission that Piepsny recommended Green be paid.

Green has been paid $1,000 per month plus 10% commission on every booking since she was hired in September 2021.

Lyons said he wanted to see a financial recap of 2022 and the history of the pay and expenses of the Lodge fund. He asked if Green was paid commission when the sale was made or when the full rental fee was paid.

Gantner said Green has been paid the full commission when reservation contracts were signed and the deposit was paid. The deposit is 30% of the rental cost.

Gantner added that deposits are non-refundable and if the party cancels, the board keeps the deposit, which is more than the commission.

DeLuca said that when the income for the Lodge is calculated, maintenance, cleaning fees and the cost to rent golf carts should be included.

Piepsny said he would include the projections and costs when he makes a recommendation for Green’s compensation at the next meeting.

JG Environmental

The board voted to use JG Environmental to analyze samples from the water well and the wastewater treatment plant for $560 per year. The drinking water must be sampled each week.

The Oviatt House has been painted the approximate color that it would have originally been. In addition, Broadview Heating donated and installed an HVAC system in the building and another company has installed electricity to the building, at no charge. Photo submitted.

The board previously used Burgess and Michael for $2,700 per year.

Meetings

The monthly meetings will continue on the fourth Monday of each month except in December, when the meeting will be the third Monday.  ∞