The Devils Lake Park Board held their regular monthly meeting at Dockside Entertainment Center on Tuesday, June 30 at noon.
Board President Jamie Beck called the meeting to order.
Jeff Brusven, Assistant Superintendent and Dockside Manager reported that a couple of items needed repairs, like the cover for the big slide in the kids playground and the pins in #2. He said the cover for the slide had been ordered and he was going to call in Dennis to help with the pins since he has had experience with this and said he would be willing to step in and help when needed.
He also brought up concerns about usage of Dockside after 7 p.m. and proposed that they try setting an earlier closing time for the facility when no special events are planned or scheduled.
Tony Prozinski, Insurance Advisor for Bravera Insurance, spoke to the board about insurance coverage for Park Board property. His proposal included blanket coverage for multiple properties under the Park Board and some expanded coverage for buildings not already covered by that blanket coverage. He also asked about the need for coverage for sewer back up for basement or lower level spaces like the locker rooms at the Burdick Arena and the equipment room in the Bill Jerome Arena. These could be added to the coverage they already have in place.
Kirk Baeth, financial advisor for Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, gave an update on the baseball field renovation project. Phase 1 is done, the field and batting cages are completed, and focus has now shifted to the concourse and grandstand. Baeth said there has been contemplation on whether to replace or enhance the grand stand, and it was decided the former might be more feasible. As they wait to hear about grants submitted they admit the longer they wait, the more the costs go up. The goal is to find the right design and build it as economically as possible, according to Baeth.
Courtney Loegering spoke to the board about a proposal to open the Creel Bay Golf Course clubhouse for offseason activities. The plan is to use the clubhouse to host various events, including sports watch parties, trivia nights, karaoke, and other social events on weekends from Friday through Sunday. Loegering noted the risks, including increased utility costs and staff availability. She said the plan is to test it for the first few months to see if a profit can be made.
New business items included new cameras for Speed and Acceleration and two grants – the Lake Region Foundation Grant and the Rural Health Transformation Program Grant. Both were approved by the board. Burdick Arena sound and light upgrades, finding a new attorney for the park district, and special accommodations for handicapped individuals at Dockside were also approved. How to pay for larger purchases using a credit card or a debit card for items costing over $3,000 was discussed and was tabled for the time being by the board.
After the commissioners gave their portfolio reports and the meeting was adjourned, Park Board Superintendent Steven Geigle recognized the more than 17 years Jamie Beck has served on the board with his thanks, a handshake and a special plaque thanking Beck for his service to the Park Board and the community.
The Park Board will meet again on Monday, July 13, at the Dockside Entertainment Center at 12 p.m.