November 1, 2011 Park Board Minutes

Minutes of the Ward County Park Board

November 1, 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, Jerome Gruenberg, Bruce Christianson, Jack Nybakken, and James Muzzy. Also present was Highway Engineer Dana Larsen, Park Manager Steve Fuegmann and Secretary Nicole Shaw.

 

Moved by Mr. Gruenberg, seconded by Mr. Fjeldahl to approve the minutes of the August 2, 2011 regular meeting. Motion carried with all voting yes.

 

Mr. Carroll Erickson joined the meeting at 8:01 a.m.

 

Moved by Mr. Gruenberg, seconded by Mr. Nybakken to approve the following bills in the amount of $48,000.37. Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Park Manager Steve Fuegmann appeared. Fuegmann reported on the repairs that Environmental Restoration had completed at the Old Settlers Park. Repairs consisted of all of the electrical at each site, cleaning of the bathroom, scrapping of the road, and fixing of picnic tables. In the spring of 2012, Fuegmann plans on beginning with the playground area and getting that reset.

 

Mr. Gruenberg asked Fuegmann about the trees in the park. Fuegmann stated that everything 3 feet high and lower was a complete loss. The park will have to be reviewed in the spring and see how the mature trees weathered.

 

Mr. Muzzy asked if Kale McHenry received his recommendation. Fuegmann let him know that they are still waiting to hear for the ceremony date.

 

Fuegmann received a request to have a temporary boat ramp placed at Rice Lake. Fuegmann took down the cable at the swimming area and then placed a load of gravel to make a ramp. This all was done in August as the level in the Lake was down.

 

Fuegmann also updated the board on the Nelson Carlson Park area. In order to keep the park open, 10 loads of gravel and 1 culvert was placed on the road. The Nelson Carlson Park was heavily used this summer.

 

Fuegmann stated that the new mower that was purchased does not fit the old trailer. Moved by Mr. Gruenberg, seconded by Mr. Erickson to authorize the purchase of a new trailer up to the amount of $3,500 for a new trailer.  Roll call vote: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Fuegmann updated the Board on the additional needs of the Old Settlers Park. The bathroom needs new doors and he would like to move the doors, expand the restrooms by removing the wall and pour concrete. This would make the restrooms handicap accessible. Fuegmann estimates the remodel will cost $8,000 - $10,000. Mr. Gruenberg asked Fuegmann to obtain more accurate numbers from a contractor.

 

Mr. Kitzman asked about the bridge in Old Settlers Park. Fuegmann stated that an engineer has been called. The bridge has been cleaned and the bridge is 99.99% there. The only question is the structural integrity.

 

Mr. Kitzman asked Fuegmann if he could put a plan together for expansion of the park. Dana Larsen stated that the mitigation and flood design is to be presented later this week, determine effect on the area.

 

Fuegmann stated that a Handicap Accessibility Study needs to be filed with the State on or before March 2012. Also, a transition statement needs to be filed with a plan to become compliant with all new ADA regulations.

 

In December of 2010, Fuegmann filed for a RTC Grant. The application was denied for the use of recycle asphalt for the walking/bike path from Minot to the Air Force Base, on the old railroad tracks. Fuegmann believes the grant was denied due to the lack of support, via a letter, from the Commander at the Air Base.

 

At 8:46 a.m., with no further business, the meeting was adjourned.  

 

ACCEPTED AND APPROVED THIS 7^TH ­DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2011.

s/Jack Nybakken, Chairman, Ward County Park Board

ATTEST

s/Nicole Shaw, Secretary, Ward County Park Board