New Naperville park director's contract not public

Two weeks after Naperville Park District hired its new executive director, the details of his contract still are under wraps -- and likely will remain there for at least another week.

Daniel Betts, Denver's deputy manager of recreation and facility services, is poised to take the helm in Naperville on March 24.

But several park commissioners Wednesday couldn't say for sure if he has actually signed his employment contract and refused to discuss its contents until he does.

Betts did not return calls seeking comment.

The Daily Herald filed a Freedom of Information request on Feb. 15 asking the park district for a copy of Betts' pact. The district answered Wednesday -- the legal deadline to respond -- saying staff members may need until March 7 to determine whether to make details of the contract public.

The delay, which is permitted by law, is needed "because the requested records require examination and evaluation by the personnel having the necessary competence and discretion to determine if they are exempt from disclosure under section 7 of this Act or should be revealed only with appropriate deletions," Human Resources Manager Katie Sepe wrote in the letter.

Sepe said via telephone that an attorney for the district needs to review the request but has been tied up in trial.

Despite the lack of details, Commissioner Marie Todd said she believes the preliminary contract she saw is a win-win for the district and Betts.

"I think he's well worth it," she said. "He worked in a very large city, brings ton of experience, a different perspective and he's an executive director."

Commissioner Charlie Brown had a positive outlook on the pact as well.

"The last I saw what was proposed was an excellent deal," Brown said. "He's a dynamite young man. He will really help this park district a great deal."

Six of the seven commissioners approved hiring Betts earlier this month. Commissioner Ron Ory voted "present" at the time but said it is only because he believes the contract lacks specific objectives for the new leader.

"My concern in voting present had to do with commitments I think the board should have been making, such as establishing goals and objectives and requirements in performance factors we would consider in compensation," he said.

Andrew Schaffner declined comment until the contract is finalized. President Kristen Jungles and Commissioners Mary Wright and Suzanne Hart did not return calls.

Betts will be the park district's eighth director in 12 years. Business Services Director Mindy Munn has been serving as interim director for the past year after the previous director, Barbara Heller, resigned under fire.