Park District of the City of Fargo

The Planning Committee meeting agenda included several key items requiring bid consideration, such as the Courts Plus Facility and Maintenance Update, which covered policy enforcement, facility updates, and membership statistics. Other topics involved reviewing Charitable Gaming Funds and establishing 2026 funding priorities, specifically related to scholarships, inclusive playground, adaptive athletic fields, and park accessibility improvements. Numerous construction projects were presented for bid consideration and recommendation to the full board, including the North Maintenance Shop Fence Improvement Project, Lindenwood Park Bike Rental Shelter Improvement Project, Pepsi Soccer and North Softball Complexes Shelter Improvement Project, 2026 Pavement Improvement Projects (Parking Lots and Trails/Sidewalks), and the Oak Grove Road Replacement Project. Additionally, the committee reviewed a request to apply for a Garrison Diversion Grant on behalf of Post 2 Baseball for a backstop netting project, and bids for 2026 Security Staffing Services at the Fargo Parks Sports Center.

The board meeting included the approval of the order of the agenda and the consent agenda, which contained six items. Public comments focused heavily on the future of Broadway Station, with speakers emphasizing its essential nature for seniors, the value it provides in terms of health and accessibility, and advocating for a lease renewal or purchase of the building as a superior alternative to splitting services. The board also discussed and approved an easement agreement with Inter Midwest Holdings LLC and Metro Sports Foundation concerning parking at undeveloped land near Shields Arena. Finally, the board addressed the Broadway Station lease renewal, reviewing the history of the lease and the options for extension or termination, noting that community engagement and financial overview informed the decision process.

Key discussion points during the meeting included organizational matters, such as onboarding a new HR Generalist and planning for the retirement of an employee in the accounting department. Management reported on preliminary steps for a total compensation study. Significant updates were provided on capital projects, including the concrete trails project (Stonebridge one and two forming/pouring), the completion of shelter slabs, progress on playground updates at Westgate and Willow Parks, and the ongoing earthwork for the Brunsdale pickleball expansion. Planning is commencing for the Osgood Slope project. In finance, the Board reviewed the preliminary budget projections, which must be submitted to the county, and discussed federal stimulus fund usage, which is expected to conclude in October 2022. The Valley Senior Services Director reported securing a verbal $1 million pledge for the Island Park Pool and confirmation from Cass County for the annual senior programming levy match. The Enterprise Director noted the success of the Red River Junior Open tennis tournament and provided updates on signage projects, including the Cornerstone Bank agreement signage deadline of October 15th. The Recreation Director reported on the completion of golf course signage and upcoming registration for fall football programs.

Key discussions included public comments regarding senior services at Broadway Station and concerns about Courts Plus. The Director provided updates on various Park District matters. The Board unanimously approved the Executive Director's Employment Agreement, which included updates to the salary based on inflation and market analysis and changed the contract duration to a rolling two-year term. The Board also received updates from the Governance Committee and the Planning Committee. The agenda and December bills were also approved.

The meeting commenced with the swearing-in ceremony for new board members, administered by Judge Steve Dawson. Following the affirmation of the agenda and the election of officers, resulting in the appointment of Aaron Hill as President and Vicky Dawson as Vice President, the board addressed organizational matters. Key discussions included a presentation from Angels Hockey regarding its 20th anniversary and anticipation for the new rink opening in January, and the approval of the 2023 audit presented by the director's office. Additionally, the board approved the annual bank resolution renewing signatories for board accounts.