Park board and residents press for accounting clarity, safety fixes and meeting-notice corrections

Residents and park board members used the public-comment period to press city and board officials for clearer accounting of park funds, better public-notice practices and security upgrades following recent break-ins.

A resident/public commenter said city council in April 2024 approved $8,000 paid from park funds to purchase land and that the record on the GIS map still shows the property in the City of Alexandria’s name rather than the park board’s. The commenter said the State Board of Accounts had advised that a separate motion should have placed the parcel in the park board’s name. "When you get on the GIS map, it still says city of Alexandria. It does not say parks department," the commenter said, urging the board to follow up.

The commenter also alleged that around the same time the park account showed $12,000–$13,000 removed for a new roof that had not been installed; they said the check was returned but asked whether the refunded amount had actually been restored to the park’s budget line.

"No one shows us anything; we've been lied to," the commenter said, describing frustration over a lack of documentation. Other members acknowledged the concern and recommended continuing to press the city for accounting records.

Public-safety concerns were also raised. A resident said gates had been left unlocked at the police department’s request to facilitate patrols, and reported two break-ins at local businesses; Alexandria police responded to those incidents, the commenter said. Board members discussed cameras and other security options as possible near-term investments once budget approvals are in place.

Several speakers flagged a separate procedural concern: the city website lists conflicting park-board meeting times (5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.), which the commenter said risks violating the state's open-door law and could subject board decisions to legal challenge if the notices are inconsistent. The commenter said legal notices have been sent to local newspapers but urged the board to correct the website posting.

Board members said they are monitoring the city budget and will follow up on the accounting questions; no formal motion, vote or corrective action was taken at the meeting. Members also discussed the practical benefits of appointing a superintendent or department head to improve continuity and representation at city council and work sessions.

The board confirmed upcoming council and work-session dates and closed the meeting; members said they would pursue the accounting, notice and safety follow-ups through established city channels.