The Meridian City Council on Wednesday passed on hiring a new director to lead the parks and recreation department. 

The vote was 2-3, with George Thomas of Ward 1 and Tyrone Johnson of Ward 2 voting in favor of appointing Gerard McCall to the office. Voting no were Fannie Johnson of Ward 3, Kim Houston of Ward 4 and Weston Lindemann of Ward 5.

The council will keep looking to fill the position, which has been vacant since former director Kelvin McGruder was terminated in July. 

Houston said that, even though she was impressed with McCall’s experience, she was worried because he would have to drive from Madison to Meridian to work. She also noted that the position would last for two years, so there wouldn’t be a guarantee of job security.

“That commitment is a lot for someone to ask for,” said Houston.

“I think if we get another candidate with a little bit more managerial experience, plus the other experience in the sports arena, then we might have a win-win,” she added. 

Thomas said he believes the city needs a full-time person to run the department, and said the council shouldn’t wait any longer to fill the position.

“At some point, we need a person overall to be a director of parks and recreation,” said Thomas.

One thing Thomas said he wants the director to focus on is maintaining parks throughout the city, noting that Planet Playground was neglected for many years. He’d also like to see expanded recreation programs for older adults. 

Mayor Percy Bland said he was dismayed the council didn’t approve the appointment, as McCall was his choice for the office.  

“I am very disappointed in not getting Mr. McCall confirmed,” said Bland, who added that he’s not considering consolidating the parks department into the city’s community development office. 

Another issue is how the parks department will function on a limited budget when a new director is hired. 

Bland said the division had a cut of $300,000 to its budget, and noted that he wants a director who can improve the office with limited resources. He said it’s been difficult finding a candidate with the right experience who is willing to work for two years.  

In other business: 

The council approved a $61,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security to the city’s police department for law enforcement and emergency response training.