After DeKalb Parks & Rec failed to follow through with registering it’s kids for yet another tournament (this time for swimming), DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis decided he had enough.
The AJC had the details on this mishap yesterday and followed up this morning with details on the firing of Parks Director Marilyn Drew. But why read the AJC summary when you can go straight to the horse’s mouth? Thanks to a forward by William, here’s Burrell Ellis’ full release to the press.
Today I met with senior members of the DeKalb Parks and Recreation Department to determine what actions led to 67 DeKalb County swimmers being denied participation by the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) in the state swim meet scheduled for July 24 and 25, 2009, and to discuss and review all possible actions the county can undertake to appeal that decision by GRPA.
I first became aware of GRPA’s decision over the weekend and immediately directed my staff to provide a timeline of events. After reviewing the timeline and other information presented to my office by GRPA, it became clear that repeated failures of the DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Department to respond to written inquires and attend meetings led to the decision to deny participation in the state swim meet. As a result, I have contacted each member of the GRPA requesting reconsideration of its decision and asking them not to penalize the DeKalb County swimmers because of the county’s failure to take required administrative measures.
Additionally, I have taken the following actions:
1. I have terminated the employment of the Director of DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Department, effective immediately.
2. I have placed the Acting Deputy Director of Recreation Services on paid administrative leave, pending further investigation.
3. I have directed the COO to begin an immediate search for a new Director of Parks and Recreation.
4. I have directed the Deputy COO to begin an immediate review of the department and to provide a comprehensive study and strategic operational plan within 60 days.On behalf of DeKalb County, I apologize to the swimmers and their families who have worked so hard and had hoped to participate in the state swim meet. As CEO, I will do everything within my power to seek GRPA’s reconsideration. It is my objective to ensure that this never occurs again within any department of DeKalb County government and that DeKalb County operates in a manner that
efficiently and responsively serves its citizens.W. Burrell Ellis, Jr.
Sounds like a positive move that attention is being given to how DeKalb parks are run. I have overhead folks at Druid Hills Youth Sports (who use Medlock Park) and at Decatur Rec complain about how hard it is to deal with the DeKalb Parks and Rec folks.
Ms. Drew’s comment in today’s AJC piece about being “merit-protected” is comical in its misunderstanding of the actual meaning of “merit.”
To be fair, “merit protected” just refers to the fact that her employment is governed by the Dekalb County Civil Service rules. The practical effect is that she’s probably entitled to an appeal hearing. But her termination will almost certainly stand since there appears to have been good cause.
Sorry, just a little employment law nerd-ery for your day.
Hey Miss Drew maybe we can have that Red Lobster dinner you promise me now..
This is just so sad for the kids.
from my understanding,when Vernon Jones hired her to replace Becky Kelly 8 years ago,he made all department directors merit exempt.
So, was Marilyn Drew actually the one who should have responded to GRPA, or is this a ‘buck-stops-here’ issue. If so, isn’t Ellis the one who should step down?
That is simply silly.
The governing body for summer swimming in the state voted tonight to let the Dekalb County kids swim in the state meet.
BRAVO!
I want to be “Merit Exempt.”
I think I am.
Your posts here are meritorious!
It’s about time Burrell Ellis cleans house of all those incompetent Vernon Jones appointees. It goes beyond parks and recs. He needs to clean house in traffic court as well.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!! Burrell Ellis
For firing Mrs. Drew I hope there is more to come. Never has one person destroyed an entire department with greed, corruption, theft, and disservice to the citizens and employees of Dekalb County.
Once again I thank you from the bottom of my heart and i am glad that you are our new CEO Great Job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Snowflake, maybe this’ll shake things up so that Parks and Rec will have better customer service. We’ll see.
Marc, the GPRA voted (4-3) to ALLOW the youth to participate in the swim meet after Ellis contacted them about the situation. The County has to pay them a $200 fine for the privilege. Mrs. Drew was the Director over the people who should have done the required preparations (paperwork, meeting) to avoid this in the first place.
OK, Big Daddy. Disservice, certainly. What are some examples of Mrs. Drew’s alleged greed, corruption, and theft?