Star Tribune: 3 finalists chosen for park superintendent
Chao Xiong, Star Tribune, November 11, 2004
Minneapolis' controversial interim parks superintendent and two others were named finalists Wednesday for the high-profile superintendent post overseeing the city's nationally renowned park system.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board voted 8 to1 to accept the finalists recommended by a consultant, with Commissioner Vivian Mason voting no. She said interim Superintendent Jon Gurban lacks the academic credentials and experience of the other finalists.
They are Cristofer Gears, director of facilities, parks and recreation at Port Orchard, Wash., and Dirk Richwine, assistant director of parks and recreation at Henderson, Nev.
The new superintendent will be paid $114,200 a year and oversee more than 170 park properties, 6,400 acres of land and water and about 50 recreation centers.
Richwine has solid management skills, has done excellent work and is skilled with capital projects, said Andrea Sims, executive director of the search firm, the Oldani Group.
Gears, former Excelsior city manager and director of parks in St. Louis Park, was described as well-organized and experienced with Twin Cities parks.
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The Oldani Group recommended Gurban's candidacy with "some reservations" because of the 2003 controversy.
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The board will interview the finalists later this month and choose a superintendent Dec. 8. He will start in January.
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Budget hearing
At a public hearing on the budget during Wednesday's meeting, about a dozen parents and community leaders implored the board not to cut part-time employees at some neighborhood parks, one of several proposals to trim 2005 expenses.
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The proposed $49.9 million budget is up from last year but down $1.02 million from what park officials say is needed. Another hearing will be held Dec. 6, with final action Dec. 13.