Bismarck Board of Park Commissioners Brief for May 20, 2021
Meeting Recap for May 20, 2021
Don Moseman and Kristen Wilson, North Dakota Safety Council, presented Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD) with the Workplace Safety Merit Award.
Eric Lindstrom, Ducks Unlimited (DU) managing director of development, provided an update on the Clairmont Family Conservation Park, which will eventually be donated to BPRD. The Board approved the Access and Standstill Agreement with DU, which provides BPRD the ability to begin master planning the park prior to donation.
Sue Peterson, Community Perceptions, presented the results of the community survey regarding Bismarck’s indoor recreation facility needs. The Board supported the staff recommendation to hold a public input meeting June 2 to gather additional feedback from residents about potential next steps in addressing the increasing demand for additional indoor recreation space in Bismarck.
The Board clarified that BPRD staff participation in meetings related to the Bismarck-Mandan Railroad Bridge does not signify a formal partnership between BPRD and Friends of the Railroad Bridge.
The Board rejected bids for construction of Hidden Star and Promontory Point neighborhood parks because they were significantly higher than the engineers’ estimates. The Board accepted bids for replacement of BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center flooring and a golf ball flight tracking system at the Fore Seasons Center.
The Board approved changes to the Accounting Policy and Procedure Handbook recommended by staff.
Kathy Feist, BPRD finance director, reviewed the timeline for developing the 2022 budget.
The Board authorized staff to apply for Recreational Trail Program and Transportation Alternative grants; to call for bids for a Sertoma Park playground replacement, Fox Island Boat Ramp fish cleaning station reconstruction, McDowell Dam pavement improvements, and Cottonwood Park fencing replacement; and to approve a change order for the Sertoma Park parking lot sealing.
The Board accepted the retirement notice from Executive Director Randy Bina effective Oct. 1 and commended him for exceptional service and leadership of the BPRD team for the benefit of the Bismarck community.
Since 1928, BPRD has been leasing 6.82 acres of Lions Park from St. Mary’s Church. The Board approved the real estate purchase agreement with St. Mary’s Church to acquire the leased land for $892,000.
The next Board meeting is Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 5:15 p.m. in the Tom Baker Meeting Room.