May 3, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the Ward County Park Board

May 3, 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. Fjeldahl, seconded by Mr. Nybakken to approve the minutes of the February 1, 2011 regular meeting and the April 21, 2011 special meeting. Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

Moved by Mr. Gruenberg, seconded by Mr. Erickson to approve the regular bills totaling
$7,019.37.  Roll call vote: all present voted yes; motion carried.

 

Park Manager Steve Fuegmann appeared. Steve updated the status on the Old Settlers Park bathroom remodeling. The project was to begin in March but due to the flood conditions in the park, he hopes that it will begin in mid May.

 

Mr. Christianson asked Steve about the current policy for long term stay at the Park. Steve advised the Board that there is currently a 14 day limit per stay at the parks. The Board discussed if a patron left the park and immediately returned, could that be considered a start of a new 14 day period. Moved by Mr. Christianson, seconded by Mr. Nybakken to review the current policies for the Parks under the Ward County Park Board jurisdiction. Motion carried with all voting yes. Steve is to provide the current policy to all the Board members as soon as possible.

 

The Board discussed the current camping fees. Moved by Mr. Fjeldahl, seconded by Mr. Muzzy to increase the camping fee from $12 per night to $14 per night and leaving the power charge at $6 per night effective immediately. Motion carried with all voting yes

.

Steve updated the Board on the flood damage done to the Park. The damage at Old Settlers Park consists of: a section of washed out area under the road that has exposed the main water line, trash and debris, in addition several picnic tables are missing.  Estimated damage is about $13,000, pending the main water line does not need any repairs.  All other Parks currently have no damage but the water is still at a high level. Mr. Gruenberg asked Dana Larsen if the Park would qualify for any FEMA assistance. Dana confirmed that a Presidential declaration is declared, the park would then qualify.

 

Steve explained to the Board that the purchase of a new mower has been placed on hold due to the unexpected additional costs of flood repair. The Board asked if the current mower will make it through another year and Steve said he hopes so.

 

A boy scout, Kale McHenry, has asked to assist Steve at Old Settlers Park for an Eagle Project. Steve stated that he has been a tremendous help in cleaning up trash and that they plan to fix picnic tables and plant a living fence with approximately 100 trees. The trees will be purchased with the approved SRT grant for $1,000 and the pending Verendrye Electric grant in the amount of $1,000.

At 8:48 a.m., with no further business, the meeting was adjourned.   

 

ACCEPTED AND APPROVED THIS 2^rd DAY OF AUGUST, 2011.

s/Ken Kitzman

Chairman, Ward County Park Board

ATTEST:

s/Nicole Shaw

Secretary, Ward County Park Board