From the Marengo Mayor: Marengo recreation director retires

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer. I would like to start with recognizing our longtime Recreation Director Ray Cooling.

Ray has served as Recreation Director for 21 years. Ray will be retiring from his Recreation Director role in August. Please join me in thanking Ray for his many years of service to our community.

Tiffany Shine has been hired as the new Recreation Director and has already started working with Ray to make a smooth transition.

Pool operations are going smoothly and with the summer heat many folks are taking advantage of the new pool. Estimates show that around 160 people per day are using the pool and nearly every weekend has been booked for pool parties.

The city council will be considering rescinding the ordinance that established a Recreation Commission.

Currently the Recreation Commission Ordinance states the Commission will provide, administer and oversee recreation programs and will be funded by gifts, bequests, user fees or self-generated income. Presumably, this was done before there was a city recreation director or a city budget for recreation.

With the recreation director providing coordination of youth programs and the city providing a budget for recreation, the commission has been mostly idle the past few years. This certainly does not mean the work of the commission has gone unnoticed or is not appreciated, but for better or worse, times have changed and there are other processes now in place including city funding for the recreation department.

There is a public hearing scheduled for Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. if you would like to have input on this proposed ordinance change.

Construction on May Street north of the pool is moving along now that the weather has improved. If the weather cooperates, it is expected this project will be completed before school starts.

Construction on sewer plant upgrades should be beginning soon. However, the force main project will be delayed until floodwaters recede.

Nomination petitions for the Nov. 4 city election are available at City Hall. The mayor and three city council positions are up for election.

Stop by City Hall or check out our website for additional information.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your mayor for the past eight years. However, I have decided not to seek re-election, and I want to get the word out so interested candidates can work on their petitions.