DECATUR — Parks and Recreation Committee members met under new leadership on March 16 to discuss plans for the upcoming year.

Mike Barnett - animal control officer, head of the city street and parks departments and the committee’s liaison to the city council - asked for nominations for a chairperson. When none were made he accepted the responsibility.

The committee discussed the possibility of holding an ATV Rodeo but did not make any concrete plans.

Tilly also reported that he has already listed the car show for the Decatur Barbecue Festival in a car show publication.

Barnett reported the city had made a profit of around $2,500 on the Decatur Barbecue Festival last August. Committee members asked him to work with city administrative assistant Kim Wilkins to create a report of the committee’s finances for next month’s meeting.

The committee discussed at great length the need of a water line to the bandstand, more utility hookups in Veterans Park, a permanent handicapped bathroom near the lower end of Veteran’s Park, newplayground equipment in Veteran’s Park and maintenance in the Old City Park.

Rick Tilly suggested that a prioritized wish list of needs be made so that needs could be cared for as funds became available.

The committee decided to meet on the second Tuesday of every month. The next meeting will be held after press time on April 12, in the city council room.

News, Pages 14 on 04/13/2011