August 2, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the Ward County Park Board

August 2, 2011

 

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

 

Moved by Mr. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Nybakken to approve the minutes of the May 3, 2011 regular meeting with corrections and the May 17, 2011 special meeting. Motion carried with all voting yes.

 

Mr. Fjeldahl joined the meeting at 8:03 a.m.

 

Moved by Mr. Nybakken, seconded by Mr. Erickson to approve the bills in the amount of $45,555.38. Roll call vote: all present voted yes; motion carried.

 

Park Manager Steve Fuegmann appeared. Fuegmann expressed his gratitude to Kale McHenry for all the work he did prior to the flood at Old Settler’s Park. Kale helped build and refurbish 12 picnic tables and planted 100 trees. Unfortunately, the trees did not survive the flood and will have to be done again next year. The Board requested Fuegmann create a Certificate of Appreciation for Kale and present it to him at his Eagle Scout Ceremony.

 

The Board discussed the Rice Lake boat ramp. The Board has received several complaints during the month of July regarding residents using the lake, regardless of the boat ramp being closed since May. The Board was informed that the Rice Lake Recreational Service District Board determined that the lake is closed to the public but cabin owners would be allowed to use the lake. The Park Board requested a letter be sent to the Rice Lake Board stating that there cannot be a double standard. A written response from the Rice Lake Board is requested by 12:00 p.m. on August 10^th. If no response is received, the Park Board will recommend to the Ward County Commission to re-open the boat ramp to the public. Moved by Mr. Fjeldahl, seconded by Mr. Muzzy to send the letter to the Rice Lake Recreational Service District Board. Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Fuegmann advised the Board that the SRT Grant of $1000.00 and the Verendrye Electric Grant of $500.00 were received. The money was used to build and refurbish picnic tables and to assist in the bathroom remodel at Old Settler’s Park.

 

Fuegmann let the Board know that Environmental Restoration has been leasing the 40 spaces at Old Settler’s Park at the rate of $14.00 per day each. They have agreed to clean, pump, and rewire the park for the use of the space in addition to paying the regular space rental fee. Once electricity is restored, the rental rate will increase to $20.00 per day each. Moved by Mr. Fjeldahl, seconded by Mr. Christianson to waive the 28 day restriction and allow Environmental Restoration to continue renting the spaces at Old Settler’s Park with the understanding that they will continue improving the park. Motion carried with all voting yes.

 

Fuegmann updated the Board on flood cleanup of the three parks. At Old Settler’s Park the playground cedar was all washed away; the bridge will need to be assessed for either repair or replacement; several picnic tables were lost; the loss of the newly planted trees and the potential of several others. At Rice Lake the beach is totally gone and the high water moved the concrete picnic table. A bobcat will need to be brought in to move the picnic table back. At Nelson-Carlson Lake, a new 32’ one piece skid dock was obtained from Game and Fish. Moved by Mr. Christianson, seconded by Mr. Erickson to purchase the skid dock from Game and Fish at the maximum purchase price of $900. Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Highway Engineer Dana Larsen appeared to present the proposed 2012 budget. Moved by Mr. Christianson, seconded by Mr. Nybakken to approve the Ward County Park budget as presented. Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Fuegmann requested to obtain price quotes for a new mower for the Parks. Moved by Mr. Nybakken, seconded by Mr. Erickson to approve the request for quotes and upon review of quotes, purchase a new mower with the maximum purchase price of $25,000. Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

At 8:53 a.m., with no further business, the meeting was adjourned.   

 

ACCEPTED AND APPROVED THIS 1st DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2011.

s/Ken Kitzman

Chairman, Ward County Park Board

ATTEST:

s/Nicole Shaw

Secretary, Ward County Park Board