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Park Board Meeting Packets

Archived Meeting Packets

Meeting Notice for September 17, 2026

DATE: September 11, 2026
TO: Commissioners Hanson, Herzog, Gilbertson, Redmann, and President Jeske
FROM: Dave Leker, Executive Director
SUBJECT: September 17, 2026, Park Board Meeting Packet and Overview for Bismarck Parks and Recreation District

Commissioners:
This is the information and overview for the Bismarck Board of Park Commissioners’ regular meeting on August 20, 2026, at 5:15pm at the Tom Baker Meeting Room at 221 North 5th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501.

1. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Approve Agenda

4. Public Hearing, Consideration, and Approval of 2027 Operating Budget

  • Enclosed in your packet you will find the proposed 2027 budget information as introduced. Finance Director Kathy Feist will review the information.
  • The public hearing will be opened, and comments will be received from the public in two parts, those in opposition or with concerns with the proposed budget and those in support of the proposed budget. It is important that citizens identify themselves for the record.
  • Upon completing the receipt of comments, the hearing will be closed, and the Board will act on the proposed 2027 budget.
  • The steps needed for the approval of the budget are as follows:
  1. Address any adjustments to the proposed budget.
    If there are any changes, those need to be addressed through the Board approval process of a motion, second, discussion, and vote. Otherwise, no Board action is required.
  2. Approve the second reading of the budget resolution and mill levy.
    Sample motion: I move to approve the second reading of the budget resolution and the mill levy, not to exceed the 3% cap.
  3. Adopt the 2027 operating budget.
    Sample motion: I move to adopt the 2027 operating budget as presented.

5. Public Comment

At this time, the Board will receive comments from the public. We ask each speaker who has signed up to address the Board to come to the podium and state their name for the record. The comments must be about an item on the current regular meeting agenda or an item from the previous regular meeting’s agenda. Comments must relate to the park district. Comments may not be defamatory, abusive, harassing, or unlawful; include information that is confidential or not open to the public; and may not disrupt the meeting or interfere with the orderly conduct of business. The Board is interested in your comments and will listen carefully but is not obligated to respond to or debate issues. Each speaker will be allotted a maximum of 4 minutes.

6. Featured Partners and Programs

Dakota Zoo Executive Director Jackie Peeler will appear before the Board.

7. City Hall Renovation Project

Cole Johnson with Endeavor North Design and City Administrator Jason Tomanek will provide a presentation.

8. Disposition of Bids: BSC Aquatic and Wellness Center Timing System

John Klein with Apex Engineering will present the bids received. If approved, the project will be funded with $95,000 from the 2026 capital project budget and $76,780 funded from the residual balance of the Fill the Lanes capital campaign, and advertising dollars accumulated in the Bismarck Recreation Council account.
Sample motion: I move to approve the base bid and alternate one submitted by Edling Electric for $171,780.

9. General Obligation Park Facilities Bonds, Series 2026 Bond Sale

Finance Director Kathy Feist will review the documents provided for the sale of general obligation bonds.

10. Consent Agenda

A variety of items have been placed in a consent agenda. A consent agenda can be approved with one motion, or an item or items can be removed for additional discussion and separate action.

  1. Consideration of August 20, 2026, Board Meeting Minutes: The August 20, 2026, minutes are provided for your consideration.
  2. Consideration of Real Estate Purchase Agreement: The District has received an offer on one of the Hay Creek lots that is for sale. The purchase agreement is provided for your consideration.
  3. Consideration of Professional Consultant List for 2027 and 2028: The list of professional consultants received is included in the packet for consideration.
  4. Consideration to Approve Agreement Addendums:

1. Request from Bismarck Baseball Concessions to Extend Scheels Complex Concessions Agreement and Proposed Addendum: Facilities and Programs Director Mike Wald has provided a memo and the proposed addendum for consideration.
2. Bismarck Gymnastics Agreement Addendum: Facilities and Programs Director Mike Wald has provided a memo and the proposed addendum for consideration.
Sample motion: I move to approve the consent agenda as presented.

11.  Approval of Bills

Next Regular Board Meeting: October 15, 2026, at 5:15pm in the Tom Baker Meeting Room

Meeting Notice for August 26, 2026

DATE: August 21, 2026
TO: Commissioners Gilbertson, Hanson, Herzog, Redmann, and President Jeske
FROM: Dave Leker, Executive Director
SUBJECT: Indoor Recreation & Sports Facility Feasibility Study Open House

The Bismarck Board of Park Commissioners are invited to participate in the Indoor Recreation & Sports Facility Feasibility Study Community Open House on August 26, 2026, from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Bismarck Public Works Building located at 601 South 26th Street, Bismarck, ND. No Board action will be taken.

Meeting Notice for August 20, 2026

DATE: August 13, 2026
TO: Commissioners Gilbertson, Hanson, Herzog, Redmann, and President Jeske
FROM: Dave Leker, Executive Director
SUBJECT: August 20, 2026, Park Board Meeting Packet and Overview for Bismarck Parks and Recreation District

Commissioners:

This is the information and overview for the Bismarck Board of Park Commissioners’ regular meeting on August 20, 2026, at 5:15pm at the Tom Baker Meeting Room at 221 North 5th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501. The agenda is as follows:

  1. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Approve Agenda
  4. Featured Partners and Programs: Dave Nash with the Bismarck Marathon will appear before the Board.
  5. Disposition of Bids
    • Custer Park Stage: The information is provided in the packet. Brett Gurholt with AGL will be present to review the bids. Sample motion: I move to reject the bids received, and re-bid the project for spring 2027 construction.
    • 2027 Parking Lot Improvements: Brad Krogtad from KLJ will review the bids received for this project. Sample motion: I move not awarding Bismarck Municipal Country Club (East) Schedule 5, and not awarding Shelter 8 Schedule 11 due to high cost per parking stall to bring the project within budget. I then recommend awarding Schedules 1-4, Schedules 6-10, and Schedule 2-alternate A in the amount of $5,308,804.25 to Strata Corporation (doing business as Knife River).
  6. Potential Tariff Impacts to Schaumberg Ice Arena Refrigeration Package Replacement
  7. Update on Bismarck Indoor Recreation & Sports Facility Feasibility Study: Community Relations Manager Dana Schaar Jahner has provided an update on this study for your information. No Board action is needed.
  8. Commissioner Committee Appointments: A memo has been provided which includes background information, research completed, and staff recommendations.
  9. Consideration of Public Meeting Agenda Item Request Policy: The information and proposed policy are included in the packet.
  10. Consideration of Public Comment Policy: The information and proposed policy are included in the packet.
  11. Consent Agenda: A variety of items have been placed in a consent agenda. A consent agenda can be approved with one motion, or an item or items can be removed for additional discussion and separate action.
  12. Approval of Bills

Appear Before Board

Individuals or organizations who wish to appear before the Board on an existing agenda item will also make the request in writing or emailed, delivered to the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District office by 12:00pm two days prior to the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners.

Upcoming Meeting

Next Regular Board Meeting: September 17, 2026, at 5:15pm in the Tom Baker Meeting Room with proposed 2027 budget public hearing

Meeting Packet for July 16, 2026

DATE: July 10, 2026

TO: Commissioners Gilbertson, Hanson, Herzog, Redmann, and Vice President Jeske

FROM: Dave Leker, Executive Director

SUBJECT: July 16, 2026, Park Board Meeting Packet and Overview for Bismarck Parks and Recreation District

Commissioners:

This is the information and overview for the Bismarck Board of Park Commissioners’ regular meeting on July 16, 2026, at 5:15pm at the Tom Baker Meeting Room at 221 North 5th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501.

  1. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Approve Agenda
  4. Adjourn Sine Die: This action is to, by motion, adjourn Sine Die (or suspend the meeting) to conduct the following business.
    Sample motion: I move to adjourn the meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners Sine Die.
  5. Seat New Board Members
    The swearing in of Commissioners Gilbertson, Hanson and Jeske will be conducted by Legal Counsel.
  6. Board Reorganization
    • The next step will be to elect a president of the Board of Park Commissioners. The election will be conducted by Legal Counsel. Upon election of the president, the new president will be seated and conduct the remainder of the agenda.
      Sample motion: I move to elect Commissioner (name) as Board President.
    • Motion by the Board to reconvene as the Bismarck Board of Park Commissioners.
      Sample motion: I move to reconvene the meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners.
    • Election of Vice President: Conducted by the president.
      Sample motion: I move to elect Commissioner (name) as vice president.
    • Appointment of Legal Counsel – It is recommended to reappoint the Evenson Sanderson Attorneys as legal counsel for the District.
      Sample motion: I move to appoint Evenson Sanderson Attorneys as legal counsel for the Park District.
    • Assign Board Members to Management Teams: The information regarding the structure of the management teams is provided. This will aid in the organization of the Board into the following:
      • Administration: President
      • Operations: Two commissioners
      • Facilities and Programs: Two commissioners
    • There are several other committee and liaison representation as well for Board members.
      • Bismarck Recreation Council: Park Board President
      • Bismarck Community Bowl Authority: Park Board President
      • Forestry Advisory Board: One commissioner from the Operations Management Team
      • Sleepy Hollow Park Liaison Committee: One commissioner from the Operations Management Team
      • Renaissance Zone Authority: One commissioner from the Operations Management Team
      • BSC Aquatic and Wellness Center Advisory Committee: One commissioner from the Facilities and Programs Management Team
  7. Featured Partners and Programs
    • Shade Tree Players: President Brian Nelson will appear before the Board.
    • Bismarck Horse Club: President Steven Krentz will appear before the Board.
  8. Disposition of Bids
  9. Introduction of 2027 Operating Budget: Finance Director Kathy Feist will address the Board regarding the proposed 2027 operating budget. Staff appreciate the input and feedback received from commissioners during budget meetings. We are requesting board consideration of the following actions regarding the 2027 budget with sample motions.
    • I move to approve the introduction of the 2027 operating budget as presented.
    • I move to approve the 2027 budget resolution.
    • I move to approve the preliminary budget statement for 2027 and set the public hearing for September 17, 2026, at 5:15pm.
  10. Consent Agenda
    • Consideration of June 18 and June 25, 2026, Park Board Meeting Minutes: The June 18 minutes and the June 25 minutes are provided for consideration.
      Sample motion: I move to approve the June 18 and June 25, 2026, Board meeting minutes.
    • Board Authorization to Request Qualifications for Engineering, Architect, and Planning Services
      This process is completed every two years, and staff is requesting authorization to request qualifications again for years 2027 and 2028. The Park District seeks qualifications from engineering, architect, and planning firms. These qualifications are reviewed, and the Park Board approves a group that can be used for the next two years. Consulting firms can be added to this list at any time during the two years by submitting their qualifications for consideration and approval by the Park Board.
      Sample motion: I move to request qualifications for engineering, architect, and planning services.
  11. Approval of Bills
    Sample motion: I move to approve the bills for payment.

Appear Before Board

Individuals or organizations who wish to appear before the Board on an existing agenda item will also make the request in writing or emailed, delivered to the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District office by 12:00pm two days prior to the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Park Commissioners’ Orientation: July 20, 2026, at 3:30pm at the Park District Administrative Office

Next Regular Board Meeting: August 20, 2026, at 5:15pm in the Tom Baker Meeting Room

Meeting Packet for June 25, 2026

DATE: June 24, 2026

TO: Commissioners Gilbertson, Herzog, Jeske, Redmann, and President Zimmerman

FROM: Dave Leker, Executive Director

SUBJECT: June 25, 2026, Special Park Board Meeting Packet and Overview for Bismarck Parks and Recreation District

Commissioners:

This is the information and overview for the special meeting at 8:00am at the Park District Administrative Office at 400 East Front Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58504.

  1. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call
  2. Approve Agenda
  3. Declare Emergency for Replacement of the Hillside Aquatic Complex Pool Heater
  4. Consideration of Hillside Aquatic Complex Pool Heater Quotes: Facilities and Programs Director Mike Wald has provided a memo outlining staff recommendations regarding an emergency situation and quotes received to replace the pool heater.

Appear Before Board

Individuals or organizations who wish to appear before the Board on an existing agenda item will also make the request in writing or emailed, delivered to the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District office by 12:00pm two days prior to the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners.

Upcoming Meeting

Next Regular Board Meeting: July 16, 2026, at 5:15pm in the Tom Baker Meeting Room

Meeting Packet for June 18, 2026

DATE: June 12, 2026

TO: Commissioners Gilbertson, Herzog, Jeske, Redmann, and President Zimmerman

FROM: Mike Wald, Interim Executive Director

SUBJECT: June 18, 2026, Park Board Meeting Packet and Overview for Bismarck Parks and Recreation District

Commissioners:

This is the information and overview for the Bismarck Board of Park Commissioners’ regular meeting on June 18, 2026, at 5:15pm at the Tom Baker Meeting Room at 221 North 5th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501.

  1. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Approve Agenda
  4. Featured Partners and Programs
    1. Riverwood Women’s Golf Association: Serena Evans will appear before the Board.
    2. Riverwood Men’s Golf Association: Brent Kleinjan will appear before the Board.
    3. July Celebration: Recreation Manager RaNae Jochim will appear before the Board.
  5. Disposition of Bids: Wachter Wave Pool Equipment Upgrade: Blake Wagner with Prairie Engineering will review the bids received for this project.
  6. Bismarck’s Red, White, and Boom Update: Will Satler with Funatix Events will provide an update on this event.
  7. Consideration of Matching Grants, Round 2: Commissioner Herzog will review the matching grant applications and the committee’s recommendations.
  8. Appoint Park District Clerk and Oath of Office: Staff requests the Board’s consideration to name Executive Director Leker as Park District Clerk as it is part of the job description. Once Executive Director Leker is named as clerk, there is an oath of office which will be administered by Legal Counsel John Ward.
  9. Consideration of May 21, 2026, Board Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the May 21, 2026, meeting are included for your consideration.
  10. Approval of Bills
  11. Recognition of Outgoing Board Member President Zimmerman: Vice President Jeske will provide recognition of President Zimmerman.

Appear Before Board

Individuals or organizations who wish to appear before the Board on an existing agenda item will also make the request in writing or emailed, delivered to the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District office by 12:00pm two days prior to the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners.

Upcoming Meeting

Next Regular Board Meeting: July 16, 2026, at 5:15pm in the Tom Baker Meeting Room

Meeting Packet for May 21, 2026

DATE: May 15, 2026

TO: Commissioners Gilbertson, Herzog, Jeske, Redmann, and President Zimmerman

FROM: Kevin Klipfel, Executive Director

SUBJECT: May 21, 2026, Park Board Meeting Packet and Overview for Bismarck Parks and Recreation District

Commissioners:

This is the information and overview for the Bismarck Board of Park Commissioners regular meeting on May 21, 2026, at 5:15pm at the Tom Baker Meeting Room at 221 North 5th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501.

  1. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Approve Agenda
  4. Featured Partners and Programs
    1. Theo Art School: Executive Director Liliana Norby will appear before the Board.
    2. Sleepy Hollow Summer Theatre & Arts Park: Gavin McCollam will appear before the Board.
  5. Garden of Healing: Karen daSilva will appear before the Board to request authorization to coordinate the Lions Garden of Healing with the Park District.
  6. Approval of Audited Financial Statements: Mindy Piatz with Brady Martz will review the 2025 audited financial statement. Staff requests the Park Board accept the report as presented.
  7. Boulder Ridge Park–Special Assessment District: Finance Director Kathy Feist will review the memo for the Board.
  8. Consideration of Neighborhood Park Waiver Request: Operations Director David Mayer will review the neighborhood park waiver request.
  9. Capital Ice Complex Schaumberg Refrigeration System: Transfer Request: Finance Director Kathy Feist will review the information.
  10. Disposition of Bids
    1. Maintenance Shop Parking Lot Improvement Project: Zac Ranisate with AE2S has provided a bid recommendation for your consideration.
    2. Boiler Replacement at VFW Sports Center: Blake Wagner with Prairie Engineering will present the results of the bid opening.
    3. Municipal Country Club Restroom Renovation: Nate Hacker with Endeavor North Design will present the bid summary and recommendation.
    4. Tom O’Leary Golf Course Cart Path Improvements Phase 2: Thomas Demke with Apex Engineering will review the bid information.
    5. McDowell Dam Recreation Area Restroom Remodeling: Joe Larivee with Bartlett and West will review the bids with the Board.
    6. Satchel Paige Statue: Please see the information.
    7. World War Memorial Building Roof: Jeff Ubl with Ubl Design Group will review the information.
  11. Consideration of Agreement for the Recreation Facility Feasibility Study: The memo and agreement are for your consideration.
  12. Discussion on Public Comment at Park Board Meetings: Commissioner Herzog has requested to discuss our public comment policy at Park Board meetings.
  13. Designation of Interim Executive Director: Staff requests the Board’s consideration to name an interim executive director from June 2 to June 18 when Dave Leker begins.
  14. Designation of Interim Clerk and Oath of Office: Staff requests the Board’s consideration to name an interim clerk from June 2 to June 18 when Dave Leker begins. Once an interim clerk is named, there is an oath of office to be administered by Legal Counsel John Ward.
  15. Consent Agenda: A variety of items have been placed in a consent agenda. A consent agenda can be approved with one motion, or an item or items can be removed for additional discussion and separate action. Staff recommends approval of the following items:
    1. Consideration of April 2026 Board Meeting Minutes: The following minutes are provided for your consideration: April 9 minutes, April 10 minutes, April 16 minutes, April 23 minutes, and April 29 minutes.
    2. Request Authorization to Call for the Following Bids: Please refer to the memos provided by Facilities and Programs Director Mike Wald.
      1. Purchase and Installation of Dehumidifier in the H.A. Thompson and Sons Arena
      2. Concessions at Capital Ice Complex
    3. Sale of Epic Nutrition and Transfer of Agreement: Please see the information and proposed addendum provided by Facilities and Programs Director Mike Wald.
  16. Approval of Bills
  17. Recognition of Retiring Executive Director Kevin Klipfel: President Zimmerman will provide a recognition of retiring Executive Director Kevin Klipfel.

Appear Before Board

Individuals or organizations who wish to appear before the Board on an existing agenda item will also make the request in writing or emailed, delivered to the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District office by 12:00pm two days prior to the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners.

Upcoming Meeting

Next Regular Board Meeting: June 18, 2026, at 5:15pm in the Tom Baker Meeting Room

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