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August 8, 2003
RICHARD STEPHENS / PVT
Residents feud over parkBeatty district board hit by resignations
One of the most emotional issues was settled at a previous meeting between the district board and citizens when members agreed not to cut down large trees around the perimeter of the park unless they were found to be dangerously unhealthy. This meeting was scheduled to allow as many citizens and board members as possible to attend, but only one board member, Rick Wilson, showed up for the meeting. Karen Gray said her husband, Bert Gray, had resigned his chairman's position on the board and that another board member, Keith Kearns, had resigned from the board. She said that other board members had not attended because the workshop had not been legally posted (which would make it illegal for more than two board members to be present). Joannie Rust, among those angered by the failure of other board members to attend, contended that the board has a paid secretary and that there was no excuse for a failure to post the required notice. "As a citizen, I'm ticked," said Rust. John Hensyel repeatedly stated that what was needed was a new board. He and several other people said that their past suggestions to the board had fallen on "deaf ears." Some said that this would not change, but Rust assured them that "there have been enough fireworks in the last three weeks" that the board would have to listen, adding that "tar and feathers" came to mind. In general, the suggestions from the group were simple. Every time he had a chance to speak, Gary Salisbury said, "Just put the grass back. "Everyone seemed to want as much grass and as many trees as possible, with an open grassy area the fire department could use for its Fourth of July activities and where people could lay on the grass to watch the fireworks. Everyone seemed to agree with Laurel Hickinbotham's suggestion that activity areas, such as a proposed volleyball court, should be kept together in the lower end of the park. She pointed out the play area for children is on that end of the park, and this would make it easier for parents to supervise their children while participating in activities. Gray said a concrete in-line skating facility that was in the board's plan for the park would be designed so it could also be used for such things as outdoor dances. Hensyel said he would be willing to volunteer to lay sod, plant trees, and work concrete for walking paths at the park, and that he knew there were other people who would be willing to do the same. Wilson agreed to put the park committee on the agenda of the next board meeting, but he did not know when it would take place. |
