Monticello hires new Parks and Rec superintendent

City Council
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     The City of Monticello has hired a new Parks and Recreation superintendent.

     Shannon Poe of Monticello started the new job on Monday, July 9.

     “Shannon brings a lot to the table, including relevant college degrees, job experience, and pool-related certifications,” said City Administrator Doug Herman during the July 2 city council meeting.

     An interview committee consisting of Herman, Mayor Brian Wolken, Parks and Rec Director Jacob Oswald, and a couple of Park Board members interviewed four candidates for the vacant job.

     “She’s just very very qualified for the position,” remarked Herman.

     Poe has a Bachelor of Science degree in parks, recreation and tourism, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in leisure, youth and human services.

     Poe, who worked at Camp Courageous in respite care until March 2017, also has previous work experience in parks and recreation. For the past six months, she’s been working for the Jones County Dispatch Center.

     Poe was also heavily involved in Monticello Heart & Soul.

     “Shannon brings with her a background that should result in a much broader diversity of programming within the Parks and Rec Department,” commented Herman.

     Poe will start at the same rate of pay as the pervious superintendent, Casey Reyner, at $40,000.

     “If we had advertised (the position), we would not have gained any better applicants,” commented Wolken of the level of candidates who applied.

In other city business:

     • The council approved the acceptance of an FAA grant offer related to the airport master plan to extend the primary runway from 4,400 feet to 5,000 feet. The grant award is in the maximum amount of $149,086, or 90 percent, whichever is greater.

     The airport cannot complete the runway extension until the plan is updated.

     A major piece of the funding for the project is the GIS mapping of the airport, and accompanying environmental studies. Herman said that piece is roughly $60,000.

     Ten percent of the project would be covered by the airport.

     • The board approved the second reading of an ordinance to amend fees related to transient merchants within city limits. The amendments stem from two merchants selling fireworks at both Karde’s 151 and Fareway out of temporary structures (tents).

     Herman said both merchants have issues with the city’s proposed fee of $1,000. They did have to pay $500 to the state for a fire marshal inspection.

     The city’s fee schedule is $300 for one week or $1,000 for six months. These merchants are likely selling fireworks for several weeks.

     At the last council meeting on June 18, the council passed the first reading, setting the fee at $100 a week. With the passage of the second reading, the fee will remain at $100.

     • The city updated its sidewalk and building permit applications, adding language pertaining to ADA compliance. The updates include a non-refundable $25 application fee.

     Herman said if the permits are denied, the $25 fee is not refunded. If the permit is granted, the total permit is then due and the applicant receives a signed permit.

     “This makes things cleaner and avoids any confusion,” said Herman in regards to whether or not applicants receive a permit.

     The city would provide some guidance on ADA compliance, but it would be up to the homeowner to make sure the sidewalk is in compliance.

     “Until we get a building code, this is the best way to handle it,” said Council member Dave Goedken.

     Council member Tom Yeoman commented that he felt a $1,000 building permit fee discourages development.

     “If there’s no value there for the homeowner, there’s no point in doing that,” he said.

     Herman said some local contractors question the value, or what they get out of, a $1,000 permit fee. “We want to give the incentive to build,” he said. Herman urged the council to give some thought toward the fee.

 

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