Regular meeting
February 14, 2008

The regular meeting of the Webster County Conservation Board was called to order at the Kennedy Park Reception Center on Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. The normal meeting scheduled for February 11th was re-scheduled due to bad weather.

Board members present were:
      Kirk Seltz, Jerry Beck, Jim Eslick, Mark Thompson, Brad Luke

Staff present:
      Matt Cosgrove

Guests present:
     Chad Nieland – Webster Co. Bowhunters & Archery Assoc.
     Mark Miller & Tori Green – Sticks & Stones Co.

Mark Thompson made a motion to approve the minutes of the January regular board meeting and the February special meeting as presented.  Kirk Seltz seconded the motion.  Motion unanimously carried.

Chad Nieland, representing the Webster County Bowhunters & Archery Association, made a request to hold the 2008 3-D archery shoots at Kennedy Park on the following dates June 8,9,28, &29, August 16&17, and September 13&14. Nieland explained that trails would be closed, signs posted, and a small concession stand would be set up during the events. Participants will be required to sign the County’s liability release waiver. Brad Luke made a motion to allow the archery shoot upon receipt of proof of insurance coverage. Mark Thompson seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

Mark Miller, representing Sticks & Stones, made a request to use Kennedy Park for a “Country Bash” Concert on July 19, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  The Board discussed the previous years event and some of the issues associated with holding concerts. Following the discussion, Mark Thompson made a motion to table the request until a written contract has been prepared, the renters of the Bob Heun Shelter have been consulted, and the Girls State Softball Tournament dates are verified.  Jerry Beck seconded the motion. Thompson, Seltz, Beck – yes, Luke – no.  The motion passed.

The Lakeside Golf Course Audit has been moved to the March Meeting at the request of Lori Branderhorst, Director of Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation.

The Director presented a calendar of events for 2008 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Conservation Board.  Events include Maple Syrup Festival, Earth Day activities, river clean-ups, adventure series events, fishing tournaments, area tours, a 50th party, an autumn hike, and a winter festival.

The Board reviewed a draft Trail Easement for the trail from Fort Dodge to Harlan Rogers and Kennedy Park.  The Board discussed the progress of the trail project and the future steps. Kirk Seltz made a motion to apply for Transportation Enhancement Funding to assist with the trail engineering and payment of the easements.  Brad Luke seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.  Jerry Beck made a motion to approve the draft easements with the addition of “perpetual easement” and upon approval from the County Attorney.  Mark Thompson seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

Land Acquisition Updates:

1. Badger Lake Watershed Project – The Director gave a report on the public meeting that was held regarding the watershed project. The Scharf Property has been secured and Mary Breen is working with Eric Eide to donate the remaining land.  Jerry Beck made a motion to pay for the legal fees to transfer the land.  Brad Luke seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

2. Miller Marsh Addition – The Director advised the Board that bid notices have been sent out to four potential bidders to complete the project. A special meeting to open the bids was set for Feb. 25th at 4:00 p.m. to make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 26th at a public hearing at 10:30 a.m. The board discussed the time frame of summer construction and fall seeding.

Additional Business

The Director invited the Board to the District 1 Meeting that will be hosted by WCCB on Feb. 28th.

The Board discussed a capital improvement fund and items to include in a possible bond issue.  Items discussed: road, trail, warming house, restrooms, shelters, recreation needs, & lake dredging.

Jerry Beck informed the Board that the family of Joan Harp would like to make a donation to the park in memory of Joan.  The Director will present a few options for possible projects.

Jerry Beck made a motion to pay the bills.  Kirk Seltz seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

Jerry Beck made a motion to adjourn.  Mark Thompson seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

Submitted by:
Matt Cosgrove, Director