The Atlantic Parks and Recreation Board, Monday evening, voted to appoint Parks and Rec Foreman Bryant Rasmussen, as Interim Parks and Rec Director. He will begin in that position March 15^th, and succeeds Seth Staashelm, who submitted his letter of resignation earlier this month, in order to accept a position in Marion, Iowa. His last day is March 14^th. Board Chair Stuart Dusenberry praised Staashelm for his service to the City. Rasmussen will begin his term as Interim Director on March 15^th. Dusenberry said they’re also calling on a familiar face to serve as a consultant. Former Parks and Rec Director Roger Herring has accepted the consultant’s position for six-months.

When Rasmussen takes over March 15^th, he’ll have a full benefits package with the City. He’ll have a starting salary of $42,000. A review will be conducted during the probationary six month period, and on about October 1st, the Board will do a final evaluation. Herring will start the week of March 10^th, for no more than 20-hours per week at $20 per hour. Herring is willing to work up to Oct. 1^st on an “as-needed” basis. Atlantic City Attorney Mark Bosworth said “Because the Parks Director’s position is an appointed position, I don’t have any objections your interim basis issues, but I think you will have to post the position to comply with Veterans Preference,” prior to the expiration of the interim window.

Rasmussen talked a little bit about his background and family. He said he grew up in Glenwood. His wife, who is a teacher in Cresco, pushed him to take the Park Foreman position when it opened up, so the couple and their three children can get back to the area. He say he went to school at UNI and majored in Earth Science teaching.)