CPRD Superintendent Don Clements Resigns 9 Months Early
NEWBERG, Ore.—The Chehalem Parks and Recreation District (CPRD) Board of Directors voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Don Clements during the Board of Directors meeting on Sept. 26, 2024.
After coming back from an executive session, which took over two hours, CPRD Board President Matt Smith said the board offered Clements compensation and benefits through June 2025 if he resigned from his position immediately, which he accepted.
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“It is with optimism and nostalgia that I announce my decision to move ahead with retirement as fall begins,” Clements said in a statement posted to the CPRD website. “While I had originally decided to retire in the spring, the Board of Directors offered to provide my compensation through June, and I have accepted that offer.”
Clements started as CPRD Superintendent in 1984.
According to a report in the Newberg Graphic, the CPRD Board of Directors enlisted Mark Knudson, a senior consultant for the Special Districts Association of Oregon, to assist in the nationwide search for a replacement.
A special board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1 to discuss the hiring search for a new Superintendent.
“I feel that as CPRD is poised to complete a number of projects that will change the landscape of life in Newberg and Dundee, and is financially solvent with a healthy cash balance and a sensible budget plan, this is a good time for me to step into my next phase of life and enjoy more time with my family and to continue my adventurous life,” Clements said in the release. “I have confidence in the state of the District in this moment, and I am committed to being available to the next Superintendent during the transition, to the staff, and to the District throughout the future.”
Representatives from CPRD did not respond to requests for comment by press time.
City of Newberg Seeks Committee, Commission Applicants
NEWBERG, Ore.—According to a press release from the City of Newberg, several local committees and commissions are seeking applicants to fill vacant positions.
“Volunteers who serve on Newberg’s boards and committees are foundational to informing the development of our programs and policies,” states a press release from the city.
The following committees and commissions have vacancies:
- Affordable Housing Commission: 3 commissioner seats, 1 student seat
- Budget Committe: 4 committee member seats, 1 student seat
- Rate Review Committee: 3 committee member seats, 1 student seat * May not be appointed this cycle*
- Historic Preservation Commission: 2 commissioner seats, 1 student seat
- Planning Commission: 3 commissioner seats, 1 student seat
- Traffic Safety Commission: 3 commissioner seats, 1 student seat
- Newberg Urban Management Commission: 1 commissioner seat
- Newberg Urban Renewal Agency-Citizens Advisory Committee: 2 committee member seats, 1 student seat
Application will be accepted until October 31, 2024. People of all backgrounds and experiences are eligible to serve on Newberg boards and committees.
More information, including board and commission guides, committee rules, and committee schedules can be found at the City of Newberg website. For more information, contact cityrecorder@newbergoregon.gov.
To apply to be on a city board or commission, follow the City of Newberg’s application process.
CPRD Accepting Applications for Pickleball Citizens’ Advisory Committee
NEWBERG, Ore.—According to a press release, the Chehalem Parks and Recreation District (CPRD) Pickleball Citizens’ Advisory Committee is seeking applicants to fill seven vacant seats after the CPRD board unanimously voted to continue the committee for a new term after the last committee’s term expired in September.
The deadline to apply is by 5 p.m. on October 18, 2024.
Of the seven members, five must reside in CPRD’s district area of Newberg-Dundee. Up to two of the committee members may live outside of the boundaries. Committees can make their own schedule, but generally meet once per month and occasionally outside of meetings.
The goal of the Pickleball Citizens’ Advisory Committee is to provide recommendations to the CPRD Board of Directors regarding pickleball activity and planning in the Newberg-Dundee area.
The Pickleball Citizens’ Advisory Committee recently completed its recommendation to add more pickleball courts to Jaquith Park, which CPRD’s board approved. According to the committee’s outgoing vice president Nick Konen, the project’s phase two would be to cover and light the courts in the future to allow pickleball players year round access.
To apply, applicants can download an application from the CPRD website, fill it out, and send it to jpetersen@cprdnewberg.org or in person at the CPRD Aquatic and Fitness Center.
The CPRD board is expected to appoint members at the October 24 board of directors meeting. Learn more and apply at the CPRD website.
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