SALEM — The Salem Parks Commission filled the vacant Recreation Supervisor position in its March meeting.

The commissioners voted unanimously to hire Shannon Ohler as the department’s new Recreation Supervisor, motioned by Commissioner Don Yeasted and seconded by Commissioner Lori Colian. Ohler will fill the position left vacant when Parks Director Kelli Pastore was officially promoted in a Feb. 2 special meeting. Other personnel matters approved included filling the final three concession stand positions at the Centennial Park Pool ahead of the upcoming pool season, hiring Danica Sawman, Ella McKinney, and Airianna Javens.

Pastore told commissioners that with mowing set to begin soon, and a reduction in available manpower, it would be more cost-effective and faster to have the planned repainting of the Swings and Things playground completed by a contractor. She said that she had spoken with the Salem Community Foundation and there was sufficient funding available in the Kenneth and Ruth Wirtz Memorial Fund and Friends of the Children Funds to cover the cost, and that she had received two quotes for the project.

The first quote from Fresh Coat Painters of Canfield came in at $19,165, while the second quote from J&R Interiors Plus came in at $7,000. Pastore said that the gap in pricing was primarily due to J&R speaking with their representative from Behr painting to secure discounted paint prices for the project. The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the quote from J&R.

Pastore also said that she had been notified of an upcoming grant discussion, qualification, and writing tip workshop hosted by Ohio Mid-Eastern Government Association (OMEGA) on April 3, which will have a focus on Ohio Department of Natural Resource grants for parks, outdoor recreation and trail funding opportunities. She said that she had registered herself and Ohler for the workshop and that there was no cost to attend but it was in Cambridge, Ohio.

Commission President John Panezott said that he felt if they would be using their personal vehicles for a work-related training then the department should reimburse their fuel, and the commissioners voted unanimously to approve the reimbursement.

Other matters discussed included the pavilions at Centennial Park. Pastore said that the necessary repairs to the support pillars in pavilion seven had been completed, and that pavilions three, four, and six had been completed. Pavilions seven, eight, nine, and ten will also be repainted when the weather permits.

The parks commission will meet next at 5 p.m. April 23.