Ashley Gathman

The primary agenda item for this special meeting was the proposed Minot Park District half-cent sales tax ordinance. Following the failure of Measure Four in the election, the board proceeded with the version of the ordinance that retained property tax obligations. The discussion focused on using the half-cent sales tax to provide property tax relief for the bond payment of the proposed Turf facility and cover operational costs. The ordinance includes a provision for review after five years, with the possibility of further reducing the sales tax if performance is favorable. Board members expressed support for the plan to generate revenue from outside the local tax base to support facilities and create economic impact, despite one member expressing concern over the combined local and state sales tax rate.

The meeting featured a presentation from the Minot Junior Golf Association requesting permission to solicit bids for a new shelter at the Wheel Links facility. The proposed shelter aims to provide shade, inclement weather protection, and a gathering space, and the Association will cover all costs. The discussion also included a comprehensive presentation by Canopy Strategic Partners detailing the Roosevelt Park Zoo's new 5-year strategic plan, 'Wild Growth: Rooted in Community, Growing for Generations.' This plan addresses four key challenges: physical campus transformation post-flood, maintaining community support during construction, completing a capital campaign, and achieving long-term financial sustainability. The strategic plan is structured around four focus areas: Engage, Inspire, Partner, and Give. Data analysis regarding visitor origins and visitation trends over the past five years was presented to support these objectives.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the May 20th meeting minutes and subsequent financial bills totaling $556,907.31, along with salary appropriations totaling $557,770.52. Department reports covered several operational updates, such as evaluating pool filtration chemicals, the motion to put a $250,000 forestry grapple truck out for bid using 2025 funds, and discussions regarding the proposed expansion of the off-ice training area for the Minot Hockey Boosters at the Mesa Arena, to be funded entirely by the boosters. Staff also reported on significant issues with escalating vandalism, primarily affecting restrooms, leading to temporary facility closures. Furthermore, the board reviewed the timeline for the upcoming budget process, including preliminary approvals scheduled for July, and approved six liquor service permits.

Key discussions centered on updates for the flood protection project, specifically Phases MI6 and MI7. Phase MI7 contractors are on winter suspension, while Phase MI6 contractors are focusing on vertical construction elements like gate wells and the pump station lid. The expected start date for backfill in Phase MI6 is April, aiming for pool opening in late May or early June. Central Avenue is temporarily surfaced with milled asphalt to allow for blading access for residents. For Phase MI7, heavy civil construction is largely complete, with staining and finishes scheduled for spring. Bids were received for the giraffe feeding platform and a restroom replacement at the zoo, with the low bid being about 6% over estimate, and Rolak Contracting is expected to be awarded the contract in February. Department reports covered the demolition process starting for the Corbett rental properties, the pre-bid meeting for the Souris Valley Golf Course re-roofing, and updates on various open staff positions across athletic fields, program events, maintenance, and forestry. Interviews are underway for most roles. The Community Relations position interviews concluded, but the role may be readvertised. Maintenance reported that door rinks are operating smoothly, and the northern bathrooms at the Pepsi rink at the Mesa require pipe repair quotes. The dedication for the W links is tentatively scheduled for September 19th.

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a review of personal appearances, where a representative from the Surus River Joint Board presented an update on flood protection efforts related to Roosevelt Park and the Zoo. The update included a drone video review highlighting current construction status, noting contractor recovery mode after significant rainfall. Key construction topics included drainage pipe installation in the downtown area (Phase MI6), the status of the Magic City Express building relocation, which is on the critical path due to pending seepage cutoff wall installation, and the installation of a temporary sanitary sewer crossing the river. Concerns were raised regarding delays affecting the Magic City Express relocation and the foundation work for a restroom near the pickleball courts. The seepage cutoff wall construction is largely complete up to the existing concession stand, paving the way for vertical flood wall construction in the coming months. Additionally, drainage work addressing a wetland feature near the giraffe barn within the zoo perimeter was discussed. The Board also addressed financial matters, including the approval of bills totaling $75,721.60 and salaries totaling $336,228.97.