By Mari Radtke
Just over $400,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds remain for the benefit of O’Brien County. O’Brien County Conservation Board (OCCB) Director, Mark Wilson worked with various constituencies to develop a plan and submit an application to O’Brien County for funding to hook up Mill Creek Park to a pipe that goes under Highway 10 and eventually empties into the Paullina lagoons.
According to Paullina Superintendent of Utilities Kelly Top, the lagoons have ample capacity to take on the park. He had explained that the lagoons were built to accommodate a meat packing plant that no longer exists.
Paullina Council heard from Wilson at their November 6 regular meeting. A design proposal was provided to council. He explained that the plan is to connect all leach fields and septic system and all points in the main park, including the dump station to the city lagoons. A sewer line was installed under the highway when the implement store was built. OCCB will have to purchase and install some hardware to make a low-pressure system. He also outlined other plans for a fish cleaning station and all-season bathrooms.
A flow meter would be installed near the connection and would help set the rate. Conservation’s use would be governed by existing ordinances.
The preliminary plans were developed by DGR Engineering for inclusion with an application to the County for ARPA funding. Engineering costs for the plans and an estimate ran about $9,000.
Mill Creek Park is already a City Water customer. It’s peak usage during summer 2023 for a single billing period was 61,000 gallons. He said the sewer design was guided by the water usage. Dennis Werkmeister questioned if the existing infrastructure was sufficient well into future use.
A resolution to approve O’Brien County Conservation as a commercial customer was read by Councilperson Carol Honkomp, seconded by Councilperson Jay Jones and received complete support.
OCCB learned of the condition of the cleaning contract for Prairie Heritage Center (PHC). The Hicks family from Ashton has held the contract for more than 2 years and have recently withdrawn from it. Staff have publicized for a contractor with only 1 response. Board members suggested other options including advertising an RFP to fill the duties.
Wilson informed his board of the request from O’Brien County Supervisors to serve as the County’s Weed Commissioner. State law requires all counties to appoint a weed commissioner. The duties were discussed and it was questioned if the department were to receive the funds or an individual from the department (conservation) for doing the work. After discussion the board indicated its willingness to try out a system that meets all requirements without taking too much staff time.
The large new aquarium in the basement of PHC is empty with current staff exploring new display options for the feature. No details are yet available.
Wilson also reported that 2 interviews for a park ranger were scheduled.
Wilson was asked about the progress on a planned restroom at Dog Creek. He replied that that project has not been done at this time. He went on to explain he wants to finish a few upgrades at Tjossem Park and other work at Mill Creek then doubling back to Dog Creek Park. Work on the rental shack at Mill Creek is progressing.
Dale Fulk attended the regular meeting at Mill Creek Lodge. He wanted OCCB to know that National Resource Conservation Service held its 54th 6th grade classroom at PHC. He was quite pleased to report that it is considered the “best ever.” He followed that up with a discussion about some signage or the possibility of developing a refuge near Conservation and his own property where Nature Conservancy wants to preserve a rare flower species.
OCCB tabled for approval of an official “Memorial Donation Policy” at a special meeting. That meeting was held on November 16. Wilson presented the 3 board members present with a draft of the policy prepared by County Attorney Katie Morgan.
The policy gives the director the authority to accept or decline a memorial gift. It sets guidelines for a gift so that the donation is appropriate with other amenities within any particular park or facility of conservation. It also identifies specific responsibilities of donor and OCCB. A requirement for board approval was stricken.