Dan Cox

Key discussions centered on Old Business items, including updates on the SEH path projects, which outlined a June 1st start date for the Weisz & Sons path and a discussion regarding the Moch Park pathway phase one using gravel. The board also addressed the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant timeline and a recreation trails/park grant application opening in May. For the Orchard Park sprinkler system, estimates were requested, and a meter was needed for Weigel Park. A financial discussion involved making principal payments on a maturing loan from April through January 2022. The board approved hiring accounting services for complex fund accounting needs, with the current service handling quarterly and year-end filings. There was also discussion regarding grant applications due April 30th and proposals for tree removal/replanting at Chance Park. New business involved addressing a complaint about woodchips from Chance Park, where remediation steps taken by Dakota Fence were noted. The board elected not to rehire a maintenance employee who requested reemployment, reviewed one employment application, discussed future maintenance hiring, and planned contact with Dakota Fence regarding a park fence. Other new items included purchasing black dirt for the shop, considering additions to the Frisbee golf course, and evaluating the use of the Weigel concrete pad for a squash or pickleball court.

The meeting addressed grant possibilities through ND Parks and Recreation, specifically mentioning applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund requiring inclusion of the Capital Improvement Plan. Key park projects discussed included Chance Park sprinklers and reseeding, improvements at Weigel Park, rock climbing installation at Millennium Park, and paving work at Lincoln Park. Equipment purchase discussions centered on a Bobcat skid. Maintenance items included ordering garbage can covers and addressing cracks in the walking path at Millennium Park. New business addressed a resident's concern about woodchips blowing from Chance Park, leading to action to clean up and install a silt fence. The top three projects identified for 2021 were the skate park/ice rink clay, a walking path to the dog park, and a volleyball pit, fence, zip line, and walking path.

The meeting involved several key discussions and decisions. Old business included updates on Moch Park grading, coordination for adding concrete for a picnic table, addressing the backorder of fobs, and planning to post the Daly Park concept for community input after identifying splash pad feasibility issues due to slope. New business focused on the approval of the initial 2023 budget. Discussions also involved the anticipated October delivery timeframe for a mower. A significant item was the discussion regarding Evergreen Cove, resulting in the rescission of a prior motion to waive park and open space requirements based on unverified claims of prior payment, followed by a new motion to waive requirements upon proof of cash-in-lieu payment. The board also decided to add a 'Comment' link to social media postings for minutes and agendas and determined that a walking trail off 66th would best be pursued through a DOT grant, involving the Lincoln Park District and Burleigh County as sponsors.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several park-related items. Key topics involved preliminary estimates and plans from SEH for the Mock Park sidewalk and lighting options, as well as gravel path additions and concept drawings for the RTP trail, leading to the approval of a resolution to hold $20,000 for the Lincoln Shared Use Path 66th Street Extension Phase One. Other items addressed include water truck usage for Chance Park, finalizing the accountant setup with PointCPA, contacting Dakota Fence regarding park boundaries, hiring a new parks maintenance employee, approving 3% employee raises, accepting a concrete bench donation for the dog park, addressing park shelter vandalism with a restitution amount of $350 and planning for security camera installation, and reviewing registration process suggestions. A cookout is planned for Weigel Park on June 13th.

Key discussions during the meeting included the re-lotting of the Rusch 2nd Addition due to zoning changes and concerns regarding future park land dedication, status of the RTP grant process for trail extensions, and planning for softball/kickball registration dates and site testing. Other topics covered were the termination process for a maintenance employee, resolution of wood chip issues with the installation of a silt fence, discussion of a tree grant for the Chance detention pond, and tapping into the city's well to water Orchard Park. New business addressed an upcoming Easter egg hunt fundraiser and a donation stipulation for Lincoln Days. The necessity to review and have employees sign off on the HR Policy and Operation Manual was also noted.