Powers Named City Parks and Recreation Director

Brianna Gibbs/KMXT
It’s been about nine months since the city’s first and only parks and recreation director, Ian Fulp, retired after more than 40 years in the position. During the city council meeting last night, Manager Aimee Kniazowski announced who the city’s second director will be.
Charlie Powers will transition into the role of director sometime in the coming months.
During last night’s meeting the council also heard from a handful of community members about the number of loiters downtown, and the condition of the area. The topic attracted a number of public comments during the council’s last regular meeting, and Jennie de la Fuente said she has seen improvements in the area since then.
Kniaziowski said Parks and Rec has given the area extra attention lately, and Mayor Pat Branson said she is also taking steps toward improving the downtown mall area.
The council also unanimously passed the introduction of the city’s budget. There will be a public hearing and a final vote on it during the council’s next meeting on June 10.