St. John Park Board: sold-out Bingo event, new coordinator hire and a member’s resignation lead to early adjournment

The St. John Park and Recreation Park Board opened its April meeting with announcements about upcoming community programming and personnel changes, but the session ended early after a board member said they would resign and members moved to adjourn for lack of quorum.

Recreation and program director Arvinitis told the board the department’s first Bingo De Mayo event will be held Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. “This event is fully sold out at 200 people and we have a waiting list,” Arvinitis said, and added the Lions Club will help manage a 50/50 and assist with additional card sales. Staff reported securing 33 donation baskets for prize giveaways.

The board was also informed that nine candidates were interviewed for a newly advertised park administrative coordinator position and, by unanimous interviewer recommendation, Brooke Bane was hired for that role. The board additionally heard that the Patnau family garden opened for the season after a grant funded nutrient-rich soil for the garden boxes around Earth Day.

During new business, members moved to approve 2026 independent contract agreements for program counselors Anna Xandandy, Avery Martin, Catalina Murray, Noi Ber and Piper Guyger. A motion to approve those contracts was made and seconded, but the transcript does not record a completed roll-call vote on the contracts.

Shortly afterward, Pat Connelly told the board they had come to the meeting to resign. “I don't appreciate you talking to me like that,” Connelly said, and added, “I don't want to come to these meetings anymore.” Board members discussed resignation procedure (a written letter, email, or verbal resignation confirmed to Town Manager Wayne Pandinas).

With only two members present after that exchange, the board moved to adjourn for lack of quorum and ended the meeting early. The transcript does not clearly show final votes for the March minutes or the program counselor contracts; staff noted members may confirm resignations in writing or by email.