Summer recreation program changes draws concerns; new council member appointed

By Mary Zielinski
A major change in Wellman’s summer recreation program brought a number of people to Monday’s council meeting, specifically to see if some alternatives are possible. Previously, the city had a program that charged “$35 a week,” explained City Clerk Donna Wade. Now, with the completion of the Parkside Activities Center, the program will become a function of the Center (operated through a contract with the Washington Y) with a $70 weekly charge. Unlike the city program, the Parkside one will be day-long and have a number of structured activities and field trips. It also will be available longer.
“It really a Day Camp,” said Wade, noting that the city one was more a few hour recreational activity.
The additional cost was a key concern for many at the meeting and the council agreed that City Administrator Dave Ross and Parkside Y director Angie Boyse would look into some alternates that could be offered to residents.
“This is really an exploratory year,” said Wade, referring to Parkside, “and we need to find what works best.” The $6 million Parkside facility opened in January.
Wade added that for most residents, the change in the program, which removes it from a city operation, became known only a week or two ago.
“It is a different program from the one the city had for years and years,” Wade added.
In other business, the council:

• tabled the Wellman Fire Department fireworks permit to the June 14 meeting to allow preparation of a resolution for the permit;
• held the first reading amending the city’s parking ordinance, prohibiting parking in any lots (downtown, North Park, etc.) for more than 24 hours;
• approved a resolution for a loan agreement with Hills Bank to cover expenses until its receives the USDA grant to help with Parkside; and
• appointed John Schwartz to the council to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Matt Latcham last month. The term runs through December, 2011 and will up to election in November, 2011. Schwartz is a local building contractor.