City of Fulton’s reinstated Parks Board elects officers

Fulton City Manager Mike Gunn introduced members of the recently reinstated Fulton Parks Board to each other Aug. 6, and following an explanation of the duties of the board, facilitated the election of a board chairman, vice-chairman and secretary.

Kenney Etherton was elected to serve as board chair, with Kim Jobe elected to serve as vice-chair. Sam Dluzniewski was elected to serve as board secretary, with board member Teresa Johnson volunteering to assist Dluzniewski as assistant secretary in the event he is unable to attend a meeting.

Other board members present for the inaugural meeting were Fulton Independent Schools’ student Jayden Padilla, Fulton Commissioner Darcy Hamrick, and Anna McCoy.

Board member Ashley Grissom was absent.

Gunn reported that although the official action has not been taken yet by the Fulton City Commission, McCoy has volunteered to serve on the board, as representation from the Fulton Lions Club. He noted the organization had been instrumental in the origin of the local city park and he wanted to make sure they were given the opportunity to continue with their assistance to the park.

Gunn updated the board about potential funding which could be available to upgrade the city’s parks, from grants to potentially using funds from the Tourism dollars collected through a city tax of 1% on restaurants and hotels or motels. He noted approximately $53,000 is allocated through the city budget for the “Parks and Cemeteries” area, however most all of that figure is now being used just to maintain and upkeep the cemeteries and parks.

He said while the board would serve in an advisory capacity with the Fulton Commission ultimately authorizing actions, he wanted the Parks Board to give thought to a number of questions, such as how to get public opinion, funding sources, the board’s mission and goals, programming and operational needs, the wants and needs of the community, and the method to use in seeking out community involvement.

Gunn said he would like to see the board consider railroad related themes for projects such as playground equipment, as the community’s origin was connected to the railroad.

The board approved as their regular meeting dates and time, the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Fulton Commission Room.

The meetings are open to the public.