With 2022 on the horizon, the Metroparks Toledo commissioners approved a number of organizational matters.
At the December 15 meeting, the board authorized Matt Cleland, chief financial officer, to issue purchase orders of varying types as needed in amounts not to exceed $50,000. “You have given me this authority in the past to do as a supervisor,” Mr. Cleland explained, adding there is no change in the amount.
The CFO also received authorization to issue purchase orders up to $70,000 for the payment of 2022 bank fees. This is mainly for merchandise services, he said.
The board approved payment for 2022 health insurance for $1.69 million payable to the Lucas County treasurer. The park district participates in a plan administered through the county.
“It’s a tremendous value to the parks,” Mr. Cleland noted.
In addition, they contracted with the county to provide workers’ compensation insurance for $188,775.
Liability insurance through Hylant Administrative Services also was approved at a cost of $160,000. “Cyber, drone, volunteer and faithful performance of duty coverage are included in this package,” the CFO said.
The park board agreed to continue to employ the law firm of Spengler Nathanson for legal services at a cost of $145,000.
Mr. Cleland presented the board with projected real estate taxes for next year. The board approved up to $325,000 for payment.
The board authorized $95,000 toward recycling and waste disposal services. Waste Management is used for recycling and waste disposal at Toledo Botanical Garden and Republic Services handles all other park locations.
In addition to waste disposal, the park board contracted with 25 companies for electric, heating, water and communications utility services at a cost of $965,620.
Those companies are Toledo Edison; Amerigas; Columbia Gas; Ohio Gas Company; Suburban Natural Gas Company; AT&T; Buckeye Telesystem; CenturyLink; Frontier; Verizon Wireless; Windstream Ohio; cities of Maumee, Oregon, Toledo and Waterville; villages of Grand Rapids and Swanton; Crystal Flash; Gary Schumaker; Thiel Oil Company; Brahier Oil Company; Buckeye Broadband; Ludwig Propane; Randy Mastin Septic Tank, and Co-Man Portable Toilets.
Park commissioners concluded organizational matters with approval of a purchase order to Wright Express Fleet Services for gas and diesel fuel at a cost of $183,900. They also authorized Thunder Tech to negotiate on behalf of the park district for placement of advertising for $100,000.
Other Business
In other business, the park board:
•Amended the 2021 estimate of resources and appropriations to reflect an increase in the education and local and other grants funds. The final total is now $75.5 million, and estimated resources is $86 million.
•Contracted with the Lathrop Company to provide construction management services at a cost not to exceed $100,000.
"These services are intended to be a temporary solution while the park district evaluates recent staffing changes, potential hi ring and what construction management services wi ll be performed in house," explained park commtsswner Fritz Byers.
In a related matter, the park board contracted with DGL Consulting Engi neers for services at a cost of no more than $100,000, noting it too, is a temporary solution and on an as-needed basis.
•Authorized the purchase of insurance in lieu of bonds for local officers and employees. The "employee di shonesty and faithful performance of duty" policy is being purchased through Ohio Plan Ri sk Management, of which Metroparks is a member.
•Iss ued a purchase order to cover additional real estate taxes for 2021 in an amount not to exceed $285,000.
"Due to new property acquisitions, the annual costs are higher than originally projected," Mr. Cleland said, adding, "Refunds will be sought for properties that are to be tax exempt."
House Bill 444 was updated in 2021 to include park districts, said David Zenk, executive director.
•Approved the return to the general fund of advances made to the grant fund. The $3.4 million follows receipt of grants, explai ned Mr. Cleland.
They also advanced $4.38 million from the general fund to the grant fund. "Reimbursement-type grants typically require program expenditures to be made and then submitted to the grantor agency for reimbursement," the chief fina ncial officer said.
•Authorized park staff to engage in competitive bidding for future maintenance, repair and or replacement services for HVAC equipment.
•Congratulated Scott Savage on his reappointment to the Metroparks board. His new, three-year term begins in January. Mr. Savage-who was administered the oath of office by Lucas County Probate Court Judge Jack Puffenberger-was first appointed to the board in 2007.
•Heard from Mr. Savage who, on behalf of the park board, wished the staff a safe and healthy holiday season. "It's been a busy year and a fa ntastic 202 1 ," he said, adding, "I'm looking forward to 2022 that much more."
•Paid bills for November totaling 1.86 million.
The next park board meeting will be at 8:30a.m., Wednesday, January 26. The location has yet to be decided. The meeting is open to the public.
