In Case you missed the Park Board Meeting on July 9, 2024 below are some highlights to be aware of.
To view a full agenda and memos click HERE. For a full recording of the meeting visit the Fargo Park District YouTube page.
Swearing in of new Board Members and Election of Officers
The Honorable Judge Steve Dawson presided over the swearing in ceremony for newly elected Commissioners Zoe Absey and incumbent Jerry Rostad. Commissioner Absey filled the seat vacated by Dawn Morgan. This was followed by nominations for President and Vice-President. The board unanimously elected Aaron Hill for the office of President and Vicki Dawson for the office of Vice President.
Bid awarded to Randall’s Excavating, Inc for Drain Pit Repair Project at Sports Arena
As part of the consent agenda, Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve awarding a bid to Randall’s Excavating, Inc for a drain pit repair project at the Sports Arena.
Staff received one bid for the proposed project and upon review recommended the bid be awarded to Randall’s Excavating for a total of $40,000.00 for excavating and a bid of $23,900.00 for plumbing, for a total bid amount of $63,900.00. Upon review the bid met all specifications. The funds for the project will come from reserve funds for this repair.
Approval of new Policy 535 – Pregnancy Workers Fairness Act & Accommodation Policy
As part of the consent agenda, Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the brand-new policy.
This policy requires broad-based and far-ranging accommodation for pregnant workers,
previously pregnant workers, or workers who are attempting to get pregnant. Pregnancy conditions alone did not qualify as an ADA/ADAAA disability, so Congress passed the PWFA to gain accommodation rights for pregnant workers. The final rules and interpretive guidance go into effect on June 18th, 2024.
Approval of the 2023 Audited Financial Statement and Federal Report
As part of the regular agenda, Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve acceptance of the 2023 audited Financial Statements and Federal Report.
Eide Bailly has prepared the Executive Summary, Financial Statements and Federal Report. Broc Lietz, finance director, presented the findings of the 2023 Audit to the Commissioners. The Park District received a “clean” audit opinion.
Approval of purchase offer between MBN Properties, LLC. and Fargo Park District for sale of The Depot
Park Board Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the Resolution for Sale of the Depot located at 701 Main Avenue to MBN Properties, LLC for $1.2 million dollars and authorize the Executive Director of the Fargo Park District to execute the purchase agreement. Closing date is estimated for December 2024.
The Fargo Park District has operated the Depot since the late 1970s after Burlington Northern, the successor to the Northern Pacific Railroad, deeded the depot and its grounds to the city of Fargo in 1971. The building has been home to the administrative offices and housed Fargo Park District staff for decades. The space is no longer needed, as the Fargo Park District moved its offices into the Fargo Parks Sports Center on May 1, 2024.
At the February 13, 2024, Park Board meeting, Commissioners took action to authorize administration to send a letter to the North Dakota State Historical Society indicating the intentions to sell the Depot, located at 701 Main Avenue, and for administration to actively market the property for sale and present offers to the board for consideration. During executive session of the Fargo Park Board on June 11, 2024, the commissioners reviewed two offers to purchase the Depot and authorized legal counsel to negotiate a sale between MBN Properties, LLC, and the Fargo Park District. Through the efforts of the district legal counsel and the buyer, accompanied by approval from the North Dakota State Historical Society, a Resolution for the Sale of the Depot was presented for consideration.
Media Contact:
Tori Benders, Marketing and Communications Specialist
Fargo Park District
701-630-0096
tbenders@fargoparks.com
