For the first time in a little over two decades, a Shelbyville Parks and Recreation Department board meeting was held with no influence from Karen Martin.

After serving 22 years as parks department director, Martin (photo) abruptly retired Oct. 12.

Parks board president Gary Nolley ran Wednesday’s regularly-scheduled meeting as the process to hire a new director continues.

“I know the resumes are coming in but I don’t know the answer how many have come in,” said Nolley after the meeting. “I don’t think anyone has been interviewed yet that I know of but I’m not sure.”

Nolley expects to be involved in the hiring process along with mayor Tom DeBaun.

At Wednesday’s meeting, the board approved approximately $72,000 in spending to fix a leaking pipe at the Meridian Park Family Aquatic Center.

Fifty-five feet of concrete has been removed to get the access needed. Pipes will be replaced and pressure tested to assure the leak is completely fixed. Concrete will then be poured with work finishing up the project completed in the spring of 2022.

The board also approved spending $10,179.93 for a new public address system at the aquatic center. The current system was struck by lightning this past summer, according to Trisha Tackett, parks department assistant director.

By approving the purchase now, the public address system will be in place for the 2022 season.

Tackett also informed the board of another successful Halloween event. A total of 750 wristbands were sold for the one-night only event at the Shelby County Fairgrounds earlier this month. Tackett said the estimated crowd was between 2,500 and 3,000.

Day-to-day activities at the parks department are being supervised by Tackett, also the recreation director, and Chris Stephens, the sports director and maintenance supervisor.

Tackett and Stephens confirmed after the meeting they have interest in the parks director position but did not say whether they have applied.