Park Board Meetings

Meeting Notice 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
   • Bismarck Municipal Ballpark Third Base Netting: The information is provided in the packet.
   • Capital Ice Complex Concessions Bid and Proposed Agreement: Facilities and Programs Director Mike Wald will review the bid and proposed agreement for consideration.
     Sample motion: I move to accept the bid provided by the Bismarck Hockey Boosters and the proposed agreement.
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