Allen named Red Bay parks and recreation director

RED BAY – Joey Allen has been chosen to take the reins as Red Bay’s first park and recreation director.

The announcement was made during Monday night’s Red Bay city council meeting.

A subcommittee was formed to specify job requirements and salary for the position. The position was presented and passed during a May city council meeting.

Representatives on the subcommittee said there were several applicants but were able to narrow the field down to four.

“It was a very difficult decision,” said councilwomen and member of the subcommittee Charlene Fancher. “Red Bay has a good problem. We really have people who want to help out and that is a great thing.”

Councilman David Tiffin said there could only be one chosen, but all of the final four were well qualified.

“I knew if we just dropped them out of a hat we would have had a great person to do the job,” he said.

Councilman Mike Kennedy believes it is going to open up doors for everyone in Red Bay.

“It’s going to be good for Red Bay,” he said. “Not just for the kids but for everyone. I believe we have a good candidate to ramrod the decisions that must be made.”

Allen has served on multiple boards concerning youth league sports and was an active member on the park and recreation board.

Allen was informed that he had received the position around 11 p.m. Monday night and took the title of director Tuesday morning.

“I look forward to organizing things more and having programs set up early so that everyone will know about the upcoming activities instead of doing everything last minute,” he said. “I’m excited about the position and in the future I hope to organize events for the older age groups as well.”

Councilman and subcommittee member Brad Bolton asks the citizens of Red Bay for their patience.

“Things are going to take a little time,” he said. “Issues won’t be together over night, but Joey knows what is asked of him and he will need people behind him, supporting him.”

Allen is required to report to the Red Bay city council and will serve a 90 day probationary period.

With Allen taking the director position, a vacancy on the park and recreation board must be filled.

Sign ups for that position will be posted today and the deadline to apply is set for 12 p.m. on Saturday July 2.

In other business, Senator Roger Bedford distributed checks from the Franklin County Community Development Commission including:

• $1,000 going to the Phil Campbell High School Quarter Back Club

• $1,000 going to the Russellville High School Media Center Accelerated Reading Program

• $1,000 going to the Jonesboro Neighborhood Watch Program

• $500 going to the Cedar Hill Trap Range

• $1,000 going to the Franklin County 4-H Club for Patriotism Awards