Grafton Parks and Rec board approves employee raises
Grant money received nearly $500,000
GRAFTON – The Grafton Park Board, at its regular monthly meeting last Wednesday decided to raise the wages of their employees.
The motion made by Todd Storey and seconded by Scott Hills passed by a unanimous vote with all members present.
The motion was made upon the recommendation of the Personnel Committee meeting which was held Feb. 12.
At the personnel committee meeting GPR Director Bill Dahl and Office Manager Tanna Aasand detailed to the committee the money they have brought to the park district through several grants and other cost saving measures.
The amount of money from grants GPR has received in the past five to seven years totals nearly $500,000.
Just some of the projects include upgrades to the Leistikow Park pool and new playground equipment, the new Happy Tails Bark Park and the hiking, cross country and snowmobile trail system on the newly acquired State Developmental Center land.
“A lot of the money that is saved through the grants has allowed our staff to do the labor themselves instead of having contractors do the work,” GPR board chairman Kerry Demars said. “We couldn’t have done it without the grant money. I think we’re headed in the right direction.”
Dahl, Aasand and Dean Feltman will each receive a 4 percent raise on their present salary as well as a one-time $500 cash bonus.
Personnel committee member Corey Burns stated the bonuses were given this year with the understanding that it might not be an every year thing.
The pay raises are retroactive to Jan. 1, 2013.
In other business the board
• Was informed in the facilities/activities report that the gymnastics program was winding down. An in-house performance at the Armory Sunday and performances at the District 4 Boys’ Basketball Tournament marked the end of the season.
Dahl informed the board that Leistikow Park officially re-opened on Feb. 12. He also said the dog park continues to be used despite the snowy winter weather.
New emergency lighting with new batteries has been installed at the Centennial Center. Dahl said everything has been running smoothly at the Winter Sports Arena. He also commented that the numbers have good for the public skating program this winter.