By James Windell
When South Haven resident Jack Sitzer addressed the South Haven City Council on Monday, April 7, 2025, he stated he was opposed to the council approving an agreement that would result in a new position of Community Recreation Director.
“I would like to know how you chose a model that the recreation department would be run by the school system,” Sitzer said. He went on to say that “The job description includes so many things that are unusual for the recreation director that I have to laugh.”
Other residents speaking at this council meeting also expressed reservations about the proposed position. Lisa Krupiarz said that not only were they assigning this person a lot of duties, but she did not understand how the $90,000 allocated for this position would be spent. “Is $90,000 a budget or the salary?” she asked. “This is taxpayer’s money, and we need to know the details.”
The City of South Haven voters approved a recreation millage in August, 2024, which provided funds to be raised for community recreation for all ages. The City approached the South Haven Public Schools as a partner to meet one of the goals of the millage – the employment of a community recreation director to help develop, plan, organize, and supervise recreational plans and programs for the community. The proposed agreement between the city and the school district is for two years with an option to renew. The agreement contemplates the hiring of a part-time South Haven Public Schools staff member to act as Community Recreation Director.
If and when approved, the agreement calls for South Haven Public Schools to use its best efforts to recruit and employ a qualified Community Recreation Director. This person would be responsible for developing, planning, organizing and supervising recreational plans for programs for the South Haven community. The job description indicates that Community Recreation Director’s duties would include developing programs for preschoolers, youth, adults and seniors. In addition, the director would be expected to develop after-school programs, day camps, summer camps, athletics, aquatics, cultural arts, enrichment classes, and special events.
When the item was reached on the agenda, City Manager Kate Hosier indicated why an agreement between the City and the South Haven Public Schools was reached. “Because many of the activities would be on school property,” Hosier said, “we decided we might have to use a school employee.”
Hosier went on to explain that the City would contribute $90,000 as a one-time amount that would help purchase equipment and help set up the position. “It’s up to the school as to how they will pay for the position,” she said.
The first council member to comment, and begin the discussion was Ward One representative, Joe Reeser. “I have supported this since day one,” Reeser said. “My only concern is the amount of money and will the person be qualified enough to do all of these together. This is a big project for one individual.”
Ward Two representative Wendi Onuki said she had reservations about the program “being run by the school.”
Mary Hosely, from Ward Three, also had concerns. “My concern with this proposal is that it is not a partnership,” she said. “The schools have sole discretion in hiring and day-to-day activities. The city has no say in what happens. There is no accountability to the City Council.”
Council member George Sleeper, representing Ward Three, made a motion to approve the Community Recreation Director agreement. Although Hosely wanted to add an amendment to the motion which would give South Haven a greater voice in the operation of the agreement, that amendment motion failed for lack of support. The motion to approve the agreement also failed as the vote was a three-three tie.
It is likely that the agreement with South Haven schools for a Community Recreation Director will be on the agenda for the next City Council meeting.
