Board seeks applicants for parks position, moves meeting

The Laketown Township Board of Trustees is now taking applications to fill an open position on the Parks and Recreation Commission. The regular meeting was moved to the following week to make sure as many board of trustees members as possible can interview the top candidates.

The board decided on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to move its regular meeting from Wednesday, July 8, to Tuesday, July 14, at 6 p.m., at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road, to conduct the interviews.

Two board members were expected to be absent at the July 8 meeting. Supervisor Steven Ringelberg wanted a full board to decide who will replace former Parks Commissioner Sherry Sirko who submitted her resignation on June 12. She did not cite a reason in the brief email.

The board accepted her resignation at Wednesday’s meeting.

By statute, the township board makes the appointment to replace an elected official, even from another board or commission. The board has 45 days to make the appointment. In this case, the board has until July 27. If no appointment is made, a special election is held at the township’s expense, something Ringelberg wants to avoid.

Application process

Township residents interested in the parks position should fill out the application available on the website. To access the application, click on “Boards& Commissions” and scroll to the bottom of the page where it says, “Interested in getting involved?”

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter stating why they want to serve on the parks commission and their qualifications.

Drop off the application at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road, or email it to office@laketowntwp.org. Applications are due at noon on Friday, July 10.

Manager Stephanie Fox will send the applications to each board member who will rank their top choices. Board members will not communicate with each other in any form so they will not violate the Open Meetings Act. They will send their choices to Fox who will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m. Monday, July 13, when she will rank the top five candidates to be interviewed by the board at its July 14 meeting. All comments from the board members will be public.

The new parks commissioner will serve through 2028.

About the parks commission

The parks commission meets once a month on the third Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the township hall.

The parks commission through its board of commissioners, staff, programs, services and facilities seeks to enhance the quality of life and the environment, to acquire, conserve and protect natural resources, and to provide quality leisure time opportunities for the benefit of the community.

Current parks commission members are Chairperson Brad Laninga, Tom Hoekman, Mary Jo Bertolino and Michael Teekamp.

TIMELINE

Some key dates:

June 12: Parks Commissioner Sherry Sirko resigns effective immediately. Board has 45 days to appoint replacement.

July 1: Board of trustees accepts Sirko’s resignation, announces process for choosing replacement.

July 8: Regular board meeting moved to following week to make sure all members can be present for interviews and decision.

July 10: Applications for parks position due at noon. Applicant information sent to board members for ranking.

July 13: Manager Stephanie Fox holds public meeting at 9 a.m. to rank the top five candidates who will be interviewed by the board.

July 14: Board interviews top candidates and chooses replacement. Meeting starts at 6 p.m.

July 15: Regular meeting of the parks commission.