January 19, 2010 Park Board meeting minutes

Minutes of the Ward County Park Board

January 19, 2010

 

The meeting of the Ward County Park Board was called to order at 8:00 a.m. by Chairman Gruenberg with the following members present: Bruce Christianson, Carroll Erickson, Jack Nybakken, Ken Kitzman and Jim Muzzy. Also present were Highway Engineer Dana Larsen, Park Manager Steve Fuegmann and Secretary Kari Bennett.

 

It was moved by Comm. Christianson, seconded by Mr. Kitzman to nominate Comm. Gruenberg as Chairman.  All voted yes.

 

It was moved by Comm. Christianson, seconded by Mr. Kitzman to nominate Comm. Nybakken as Vice Chairman.  All voted yes.

 

It was moved by Comm. Erickson, seconded by Comm. Christianson to approve the minutes of the August 31, 2009 meeting. Roll call vote: all present voted yes; motion carried.

 

At 8:03 a.m. Comm. Fjeldahl joined the meeting.

 

It was moved by Comm. Erickson, seconded by Comm. Nybakken to approve the bills totaling $21,366.07.  Roll call vote: all present voted yes; motion carried.

 

Discussion was held on land in front of the lots at Rice Lake.  Highway Engineer Larsen stated that landowners may bring to the Commission a proposal to transfer the land.  Comm. Gruenberg raised concerns about the land going up for auction.  Mr. Kitzman asked about legal access to the property if the land is sold.  Larsen suggested delaying further discussion until the proposal is presented.

 

Brief discussion was held regarding the bathrooms in Old Settler’s Park.  Park Manager Fuegmann wrote grant proposals to both the Game and Fish Department and Garrison Diversion.  The project may total over $20,000 which will require bids.  He suggested fixing the roof first which would cost around $6,000.

 

Larsen then presented an update on the FEMA reimbursement for the damage at Old Settler’s Park.  The project was paid for in June and the worksheet sent in November but the funds have not been received yet.

 

Larsen then suggested transferring Unit 4, a 1999 ¾ ton Suburban, from the Highway Department to the Park Board as it would save them the cost of renting a vehicle for the summer months.  Moved by Mr. Kitzman, seconded by Comm. Christianson to accept the payment of $2000 from the Park Board and transfer Unit 4 to the Ward County Parks.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Next was a discussion on a fishing pier at Rice Lake.  Fuegmann talked to ND District Fisheries Supervisor Jason Lee who sent the email stating their department received a private donation for fishing piers and asked if the board would sponsor one.  At the current time, there is not a suitable location for the pier.  Moved by Mr. Kitzman, seconded by Comm. Christianson to table this issue until the 2011 season and pass it on to the Rice Lake Recreation Service District.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Mr. Muzzy requested information on camping fees.  Engineer Larsen stated that this item was not on the agenda because research had not been completed.  Park Manager Fuegmann stated that Ward County’s camping fees are in line with those in Bismarck.

 

Mr. Muzzy then asked if a letter of understanding was received regarding the Rice Lake speed bumps.  Larsen stated that Rice Lake personnel will remove them this year and install them next year.

 

Larsen then suggested the end-of-year transfer be prepared for discussion at the next Commissioners meeting.  Comm. Christianson stated funds can be carried over with the approval of the Commission.  They can direct the Auditor not to place the funds in the General Fund.

 

Park Manager Fuegmann then provided a recap of the 2009 year.  The income and expenses were reviewed.  Moved by Comm. Fjeldahl, seconded by Mr. Kitzman to approve the financial report including changes which included moving $4300 reported under “Other Income” to “Rice Lake Rent”.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Suggested projects for 2010 included tree planting at Old Settlers Park and Nelson-Carlson as well as a bridge inspection at Old Settlers.

At 8:59 a.m. with no further business it was moved by Comm. Christianson to adjourn; motion carried and meeting adjourned.

 

ACCEPTED AND APPROVED THIS 4TH DAY OF MAY, 2010.

 

s/ Jerome Gruenberg

Chairman, Ward County Park Board

 

ATTEST:

 

s/ Kari Bennett

Secretary, Ward County Park Board