Bismarck Board of Park Commissioners Brief for July 25, 2024

Newly elected board members Kate Herzog and Paula Redmann were sworn into office by legal counsel. Mark Zimmerman was elected president, and Julie Jeske was elected vice president. Commissioners were assigned to management teams and as committee/liaison representatives.

Missy Hilsendeger shared information about Buckstop Junction as a Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD) featured partner. Located at the Missouri Valley Complex, Buckstop Junction is a historic town operated by the Missouri Valley Historical Society.

Gabe Schell, City Engineer, presented information about the City of Bismarck’s Flood Control Project and potential impacts to park district property at Clem Kelley Athletic Complex and Dakota Zoo.

The Board rejected the bids for the lighting project at the Joann Hetzel Memorial 4-H Building and Nishu Bowmen Indoor Archery Range due to the higher than anticipated cost and asked staff to work with the consultant on soliciting new bids at a later date.

The 2025 operating budget was introduced as a balanced budget with no increase in mills. The Board moved to approve the introduction of the 2025 operating budget as presented, to approve the 2025 budget resolution, and to approve the preliminary budget statement for 2025 and set the public hearing for Sept. 19 at 5:15 p.m. in the Tom Baker Room in the City/County Building.

The Board approved easements related to Elk Ridge Third Addition and authorized staff to call for bids for soccer goals at Cottonwood Park Soccer Complex.

The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Thursday, Aug. 15, at 5:15 p.m. in the Tom Baker Meeting Room.