Nobody was more surprised by the decision at the recent North Whidbey Park and Recreation District’s monthly meeting than Commissioner Fred Henninger.

Two hours upon returning from an international vacation Henninger was appointed as Park board chairman for 2005, replacing 2004 chairwoman Janet Sabalausky.

“I was out of the country and had no idea this was coming,” Henninger said.

The move was made Jan. 18 after a nomination from commissioner Tom Johnson and three ensuing votes from Johnson, Henninger and Harvey Prosser. Sabalausky and commissioner Brien Lillquist voted in favor of retaining Sabalusky’s chair position.

“I thank you for your vote of confidence,” Henninger said to the board. “I hope this decreases some of the anger that still exists between some of the board members.”

Hinting at previous problems, Henninger made a promise to try and run business “officially” and in a “grown-up mannner,” and to not be overly technical with Roberts Rules of Order — a topic commonly argued over by board members in recent months.

The board scheduled a non-action workshop for Jan. 25. Possible levy and bond topics for the upcoming year were to be discussed, including a suggested addition to the John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool that would have a patio enclosure and aerobic warm water pool. Possible office expansion, employee locker room upgrades and improvements to Clover Valley Park were also expected to be examined.

NWPRD has its next regular scheduled meeting set for 7 p.m., Feb. 15 in the viewing room at the John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool.