The O’Brien County Conservation Board met in special session on Monday August 7 at Prairie Heritage Center. The special session was to fulfill its informal agreement with Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB) over a claim of an illegal meeting. Erica Eckley, Executive Director of IPIB came to northwest Iowa to deliver the training session personally. All board members attended.
The board met in regular session on Wednesday at Tjossem Park. Board Chair Kathy Ludeke led the meeting. The board was able to see first hand the improvements fulfilled. A few questions about a financial breakdown report for Tjossem Park were asked and answered. The board moved quickly to a very technical discussion of the bylaws under development.
A policy book is also under development. Ludeke noted to the board that several policies already exist, but not consolidated into a manual form.
Joe Feekes reported the upgrades to the board at the park which included the installation of 4 new complete camping pads. Several dead Ash trees had been removed. A playground is marked out for construction. A bathhouse is marked out and trails have been added.
The last day of having seasonal help is Friday August 11. Office Manager Sarah Fiddelke reported that discussion between herself and Acting Director Mark Wilson revealed that parttime/seasonal staff Molly Hicks could continue. The remodel of the beach shack at MIll Creek is the next project for the Conservation Crew. The work includes a shower and foot wash station. They would like to find temporary help until about November. The project is funded by the O’Brien County Community Foundation grant. They want most of the project completed this fall.
Naturalist Lindsey Kleinhesselink reported that she has made contact with the school principals. Schedules are being worked out for both at school delivery as well as field trips to various OCCB facilities. The annual 6th grade outdoor classroom is scheduled. She also noted display changes she’s making at PHC.
Camping at Dog Creek South is expanded by adding gravel to camp pads for parking. Feekes also reported shop cleanup. The removal of 3 loads of tires to the landfill cost $771.
The Bison Burger Lawn Picnic is scheduled for Tuesday August 15.
Konz asked how cleanup of a shed that has been invested with mice and creating vehicle problems. Fiddelke reported that the vehicles are parked outside. Discussion of how to eliminate the problem included pest control and poison.