Cary Park District hires new director

The Cary Park District didn't have to look far for a new executive director.

The board on Thursday named Dan Jones, formerly the park district's deputy director, to lead the district.

Jones has worked in the district for 10 years, and said he's excited about his new duties.

"I enjoy the community very much," Jones said. "I think the park district does a lot of neat things and ... it's neat to be a part of that."

Jones takes the reins about three weeks after his predecessor Steve Cherveny resigned, following an obscene conduct citation in July that police say involved Susan Mayer, then the district's superintendent of recreation.

Mayer, a district employee for at least 13 years, also resigned.

Cherveny had nearly three years left on his contract when he stepped down.

According to Cherveny and Mayer's separation agreements - obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request - the district will pay them both through Sept. 30.

As of May 1, Cherveny, 48, of Cary, made $114,198 annually while Mayer, 37, of Carol Stream, made $67,333 a year.

If they haven't found new jobs by then, the district will continue to pay them through Oct. 31, or until they find jobs, whichever comes first.

Under a longevity incentive in Cherveny's employment agreement, he will receive an additional $28,905, according to the separation agreement documents.

The district will continue to pay Cherveny's health and other benefits until Dec. 31, while Mayer uses accrued vacation time to pay for hers.

Cherveny and Mayer received citations for engaging in "obscene/sexual conduct in public" about 5:40 p.m. July 2 at the McHenry County Conservation District's Fox Bluff Conservation Area, near Cary.

On July 19, records show, each admitted to an amended version of the charge, stating they "disturbed others by engaging in loud conduct and in doing so breached the public peace."

They were each ordered to pay $216 in fines and fees and placed on 100 days of court supervision.