(Arnolds Park)– A motion to replace the current management at the Arnolds Park Amusement Park failed to pass at a special meeting this (Tues.) morning of the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum Board of Directors.
The vote followed a presentation from Steve and John Minard, who managed and operated the park in the past under different owners. The Minards, who are brothers, own Attraction Management Services…an amusement park consulting firm that’s building a new 70 million dollar facility in Council Bluffs. They expressed interest in managing Arnolds Park for the rest of the summer at a cost said to be in the neighborhood of 80-thousand dollars.
Board members were split on the proposal, which would have resulted in the ousting of current park management. Board member Jim Jensen, who represents the city of Arnolds Park, was among those opposed to hiring Attraction Management Services, saying the timing for such a change is wrong…what with the busiest weekend of the season less than two weeks away. Others opposed to the proposal said they’re pleased with the park’s financial performance so far this season and maintained that changing management now would be highly disruptive to the park’s operations.
Those on the other side said it was definitely time for a change. Board Chairperson Becky Batchelor said allegations of misconduct made against the board at a meeting June 13th by current park management points out the need for immediate change.
Following that, a motion was made and seconded to proceed with the hiring of Attraction Management Services for the rest of the season. The motion was defeated with 15 board members voting against; nine in favor and two who abstained.
After the vote, Batchelor announced her immediate resignation as board Chairperson, saying there was no way she could continue to serve with the current situation. A motion was then made, seconded and unanimously approved to call for a special meeting of the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum Executive Board sometime in the next couple of weeks to address chairmanship issues and to look at a total revamping of the board and its bylaws.
