As the city of Danville prepares to take over parks and recreation on July 1, the Danville City Commission met in executive session at a meeting Monday night to discuss staffing for the department.

After returning into open session, the commission announced six staff members for parks and recreation.

John Bell was announced as the director of the department. Bell was hired in April 2019 to take over as director, and will stay in that position moving forward.

Bell brings with him more than 28 years of experience in parks and recreation, according to a news release. He has been an athletic supervisor in Bridgeton, Missouri, the assistant director in Parks and Recreation in Maryland Heights, Missouri and most recently the director at St. Vincent Recreation Complex in St. Louis County, Missouri.

Bell is a certified Parks and Rec Professional, (CPRP); he is a Certified Pool Operator, (CPO), and Missouri Parks and Recreation Association and National Recreation and Parks Association member.
Amber Shartzer was named as recreation coordinator for the department. Shartzer had previously worked in office administration roles for the department.

Evan Teague, formerly the recreation coordinator for the department, was announced in a new role as athletics supervisor.

Harold Logue was announced as the maintenance supervisor for the department, and Roger Webb was announced as assistant supervisor for maintenance. Both Logue and Teague were previously employed in those same positions.

Morgan Sebastian will continue in her role as office clerk for the department moving forward as well.

The commission unanimously approved the hirings.

The department will also retain the board members moving forward. The committee members were announced near the beginning of Monday’s meeting.

The Parks and Recreation Board will be made up of Bryce Perry, Mark Morgan, David Camic, Jo Marie Lammy, Dee Minor, Ed Rall, and LaFonda Stallworth.

The Danville City Commission and Boyle County Fiscal Court negotiated a deal late last year that transferred management of parks and recreation to the city. As part of the deal, the county provides a portion of the annual funding for the department.