DEVILS LAKE — It was a positive, efficient end to the year for the Devils Lake Park Board.
The board met at Dockside Entertainment for its final meeting of 2025 on Tuesday. The prevailing theme was the smooth transition between seasons.
Jeff Brusven said there’s been an increase of Dockside participation since the weather turned sour. He added that birthday parties, along with school and private events, have picked up. In particular, Munich and Four Winds are holding their end-of-year parties at Dockside soon. Camp Grafton is also considering holding a party or two.
Devils Lake Cars is sponsoring two open-to-the public events, and Dockside is expecting big numbers for those evenings. Commissioner Kelli Heilman noted that she liked the catchy jingle Devils Lake Cars included in its advertisement.
Brusven later reverted the conversation to the beer permits discussed at November’s meeting. He said he’s looked into what places like Fargo, Bismarck and Grand Forks have done with similar policies. He went over some of the basic components of what the policy would look like for Dockside. There would be an hourly basis for the permit, with a three-hour limit. The permit holder would have to show an ID and would hold the liability.
The board discussed what the hours of the beer permit should be, brainstorming that noon to eight would work unless a special event is taking place. It would be $10 per hour to get a bucket with ice. The bucket would essentially be the only additional cost for Dockside, making it affordable on their end.
Board president Jamie Beck approved of the plan. The only thing he wanted to add was that if Dockside were to revoke somebody’s beer permit, there would be no refund. The board eventually seconded the motion to approve the beer permit policy for Dockside.
The board also deliberated over Dockside’s holiday hours. They decided to shorten their hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day because business was limited on those days last year. They eventually agreed on closing at 5 p.m. on both days.
Josh Widmer, the new recreation and concessions manager, said things are going well in his first month on the job. He had a new hire start recently and has interviews set up to add at least one more. They recently opened up adult volleyball registration. Youth basketball also got started a couple weeks ago, and Widmer noted a particular increase in enrollment for third and fourth-graders.
Andy Hokanson added that it’s business as usual at the golf course. They’re cleaning up the machines over there and have run into a couple minor things, but nothing major. He said everything looks really good as they wrap up the season.
Superintendent Dennis Nybo said they’ve also opened registration for volleyball leagues, and that they’re trying it online for the first time. He added that Devils Lake Cars and North Star Community Credit are planning to sponsor public skating events.
The board also approved a motion to increase employee salaries and benefits as recommended.
The board scheduled a special meeting for Jan. 6 at 3 p.m., which will likely only take 10 to 15 minutes. Their next regular meeting is set for Jan. 20 at 12 p.m.
