Eastern Delaware County Joint Recreation District elects officers, adopts bylaws and initial policies

The inaugural board of the Eastern Delaware County Joint Recreation District elected officers, adopted bylaws and approved a set of organizational policies and an initial budget framework at its organizational meeting. The board also authorized staff to pursue a bank depository, insurance quotes and to engage legal counsel as it begins community outreach and planning.

The meeting, called to order at 6:02 p.m., opened with the administration of oaths to the six appointed trustees and a roll call establishing a five-member voting quorum with one member attending virtually. The slate approved by roll call named Hallie Watson as chair, Bernie Coy as vice chair, Jody Greger as secretary, and Greg Elliott as treasurer.

Mike Bridal, attorney for the exploratory committee that helped form the joint recreation district, said the three jurisdictions had formed the district to pool resources. "In short, we can achieve more together than any one of us can do by ourselves," Bridal said, urging the board to begin public engagement and data collection immediately.

The board adopted draft bylaws prepared by the exploratory committee, then approved a public-records policy and a records-retention schedule to comply with Ohio law and to permit submitting materials to the State Archives and the Ohio Auditor of State. The trustees approved a proposed administrative budget framework and an authorization for the treasurer to begin the public…