Regular Meeting
March 11, 2009

The regular meeting of the Webster County Conservation Board was called to order at the Kennedy Park Reception Center on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.

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

Staff present: Matt Cosgrove

Guests present: Lori Branderhorst – FD Parks & Recreation Director

Mark Thompson made a motion to approve the minutes of the February Board Meeting. Jerry Beck seconded the motion.  Motion unanimously carried.

Lori Branderhorst, FD Parks & Recreation Director, presented the annual audit of Lakeside Golf Course. Branderhorst explained to the board that the course did not make a profit last year, due to poor weather and two FEMA disaster events. Branderhorst also spoke of partnership efforts between city/county and presented two checks to the board, 1.) $1.00 per the lease agreement, and 2.) $5,000 for the city-share of the forestry mower contract. Jerry Beck made a motion to approve the audit and accept the checks. Jim Eslick seconded the motion. Yes – Eslick, Beck, Abstain – Luke, Absent – Thompson. Motion carried.

The director presented a trail-funding plan for the trail from Fort Dodge to Harlan Rogers and Kennedy Park for 2009-10. The proposal identifies a funding strategy that includes grants and city/county funds to complete the $2.2 million dollar project by 2011. The plan will be presented to the Board of Supervisors and City Council for consideration during March. Brad Luke made a motion to approve the trail plan and present the information to the Board of Supervisors. Jim Eslick seconded the motion. Yes- Beck, Eslick, Luke, Absent – Thompson. Motion carried.

At the February meeting the board discussed a new trailer to transport the new skid loader and forestry mower since the department’s current trailers were not rated for the machine and attachment. Jerry Beck made a motion to trade an existing trailer and purchase a new trailer from K.C. Nielsen for $8,090.00, minus $2,500.00 trade-in, for a total cost of $5,509.00. Jim Eslick seconded the motion. Yes – Eslick, Beck, Luke, Absent – Thompson. Motion carried.

The board discussed an acquisition and development project. Cost estimates were being prepared for future meetings.

Additional Business

The Director informed the board that the DNR Water Trails Grant was successful for the Lizard Creek Water Trail Project.

Director invited the board to the Spring Conference help in Kossuth Co. March 28th.

The board discussed inviting the new supervisors to Kennedy Park in the spring for an orientation on the Conservation Department and lunch. Date to be determined.

Brad Luke made a motion to approve the bills. Jerry Beck seconded the motion. Yes – Eslick, Beck, Luke, Absent – Thompson. Motion carried.

Jerry Beck made a motion to adjourn. Jim Eslick seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Submitted by,
Matt Cosgrove
Director
Webster County Conservation