Ripley board approves offer for parks-and-recreation position to Lee Johnston

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Ripley voted to offer the parks-and-recreation position to Lee Johnston during its meeting. Board members praised the candidate’s character and work ethic, with one speaker saying, "He's a good Christian man," and another that "He's a hard worker." The board called the vote and recorded approval by voice vote.

The comment period included remarks that the city’s parks and recreation department is strong and capable of continuing to grow. Speakers noted this is a small municipal operation and that the position does not necessarily require a formal degree in parks-and-recreation administration for effective management. The chair said staff will notify Lee Johnston and send formal thank-you letters to other applicants.

The board did not record a named mover or a roll-call tally for this specific vote in the transcript; the action was taken by voice vote and recorded as passed. No further personnel details or start dates were provided during the meeting.