Filling Parks and Rec director opening next for council
Just this week, a new police chief took office and the council made an offer to a planning director candidate.
City Council President Jacob Ladner said Wednesday that the priority for the next agenda is its midyear review of the fiscal 2025 budget, and then Parks and Recreation director is next.
The City Council, which is responsible for hiring directors, is seeking to replace former Parks and Recreation director Jason Lake, who retired in February.
In response to a request based on the state's Open Records Act, city Human Resource Director Richelle Sandlin released the applications for Parks and Recreation director and an email containing her recommendations to the council, Mayor Tab Bowling and Chief Financial Officer Kyle Demeester.
In the email, she recommended the council interview five applicants:
—William Collins, statewide trails coordinator, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery. He previously served as athletic programs director, city of Bessemer; director of parks program, Red Mountain Park; and athletics coordinator, city of Orange Beach.
—Stephanie McLain, interim operations manager and Point Mallard Park superintendent; previously Point Mallard marketing and group sales after starting as aquatic facilities operator.
—Joseph Rodecker, former recreation superintendent, Canton, Ohio; previously assistant parks and recreation director, Montgomery County, Tennessee; athletic division, Franklin, Tennessee; and assistant property manager, CNA.
—Jerry Smith, director of parks and grounds, Boynton Beach, Florida; previously county parks director, Bexar County, Texas; and deputy director of parks and recreation, North Miami Beach, Florida.
—Todd Strubhart, golf and street services, University City Parks, Illinois; previously director of Parks and Recreation, Godfrey, Illinois; recreation supervisor, Belleville, Illinois; managing partner, Midwest Team Training LLC; vice president of select sports operations, Belleville Select Youth Sports.
Sandlin listed a second group of four applicants who she writes, "are minimally qualified and recommended for hold pending consideration of Group 1 candidates."
She writes that a third group of 63 applicants "did not meet the minimum requirements for consideration and further review is not recommended." — DYS director
The City Council is also looking for a new leader of Decatur Youth Services after Brandon Watkins resigned in March.
Retired DYS Director Bruce Jones stepped in to run the department on a part-time basis. The city received 70 applications, but Sandlin has not made a recommendation on how the council should proceed.
Ladner said that's OK with him. He said he prefers "to let Bruce guide us on how he wants to proceed," especially since the department seems to be running smoothly. Jones has indicated he's willing to work with the city through November when a new council term begins.
— bayne.hughes@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2432
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