REC reports basketball program a success
Staff reporter
Thirty out-of-town basketball teams have been converging on Marion during the past weeks to participate in the REC's basketball program.
Rodney Richmond of the Marion Recreation Commission reported Monday to Marion City Council that the program again was successful with a total of 37 teams participating in the program.
REC Director Margo Yates said the visitors have spent money in the community including one couple who ordered and purchased fixtures for their home from Mid-America Marble.
"They had an hour in between games, saw the marble sign, and checked it out," she said.
Richmond also reported that more than 30 children had participated in the REC gymnastics program and will perform at halftime Friday night at the Marion High School boys' basketball game.
Councilman Stacey Collett asked why ground work had not yet been completed at the ball field. Yates said the commission and the city had discussed the option last fall about having the ground "rolled" with a large roller but it did not occur. Bids also were gathered for additional work at the field but nothing had been approved by the city. Yates added that USD 408 also was asking about the field.
Richmond asked the council why REC had not received its annual allocation. Typically the commission received it by Jan. 15.
The allocation was on this week's council agenda and was approved by the council later in the meeting.
Before it was approved, councilman Bill Holdeman asked what the school paid and added the school should pay the same as the city.
Richmond responded that the school pays part of Yates' salary. Mayor Martin Tice, who formerly was the clerk of the USD 408, said the school had approximately $10,000 in the budget for REC and the district allows REC to use its facilities for free.
Yates pointed out that "in the old days," baseball and softball programs were separate from the REC budget and had "a lot more funds."
Richmond suggested the city council read the resolution between the school district and the city.
Later in the meeting, the council and REC entered three, 15-minute executive sessions for attorney-client privilege.
When the meeting reconvened, there were no decisions.
The agreement
A joint resolution was passed by Marion City Commission June 11, 2001 and the school board June 26, 2001 that established a joint city-school district recreation commission.
The commission was appointed to organize and coordinate recreational activities as deemed necessary to meet the needs of the community.
Activities would be tailored to meet the needs of all age groups and should include both athletic and non-athletic recreations. The intent was to maximize the utilization of all city and school facilities, and attempt to aid in the utilization of any other facilities available from churches and private sources.
The commission has the authority to utilize city and school facilities, and make recommendations to the city council and school board for changes and exceptions to the policies.
The commission also has the authority to establish policies, rules, and regulations to govern the conduct and operation of the programs and services.
Each entity, the city and school district, committed themselves to provide funds to the program through this agreement.
REC has the authority to levy tax and seek bonds by election if additional funding is needed.
Gifts, donations, or bequests may be made to REC.
Two REC members are appointed by the mayor, with the consent of the council. One will serve a three-year term, the other two years. The superintendent of USD 408 appoints two REC members — one to serve four years and the other one year. The four appointed members then choose a fifth member to serve four years.
