00:00:13,070	Welcome to this debate with the candidates for the Mandan Park Board. I'm Marnie Piehl, a member of the League of Women Voters, and I'll be your moderator. This debate has been organized and the questions developed by the League of Women Voters, the Bismarck Tribune, the Bismarck Mandan Chamber, EDC, AARP North Dakota, and Dakota Media Access.

00:00:33,170	There are four candidates running for three open positions for the Mandan Park Board, and all four of them are with us today. They are J.R. Carter, Miles Mehlhoff, Layn Mudder, and Stan Scott. Our purpose is to provide voters with information about the candidates and their positions, their positions on issues that affect the citizens of Mandan.

00:00:55,330	The candidates have not received these questions in advance. Viewers watching this debate live on April 23rd. May submit questions by texting LWV BisMan 152 to 22333 to join the session and then text your question. And that's also on the screen. This debate format is as follows.

00:01:22,230	Each candidate will have 60 seconds to make an opening statement, and after the opening statements, the candidates will respond to the questions that I ask. The first responses to the questions will be rotated between the candidates, and each candidate will have 60s to respond to each question.

00:01:41,730	After each candidate who has responded to the question, there will be up to three additional minutes allowed for debate or additional comments from any or all candidates. After the final question is asked, each candidate will then have 60s to make a closing statement. The candidates are asked to comply with our time restrictions so we can get to as many questions as possible.

00:02:00,800	Our timer will let you know when your responses are down to 30s, then 10s, and then stop for the debate segment. They'll indicate when we're down to one minute and then stop. Now let's get to our candidates. So each of you will have 60s to make an opening statement, and we'll just start, left to right. We'll start with Stan.

00:02:20,530	If you could tell us in 60s a little bit about yourself.

00:02:25,270	First of all, thank you to the League of Women, Women Voters for, putting this together for the four candidates to get together and talk about their, their interests, their, likes and dislikes and anything in between, I guess. So I appreciate that. Probably been Amanda and resident for 38 years.

00:02:45,100	I was lucky enough to marry into being a Mandan resident. Fortunate to, raise our family here and now. Watch my three grandkids grow up in Mandan as well. So you may see why I'm interested in being again, being a part of the Mandan Park Board.

00:03:08,800	I did serve four years on the Mandan City Commission approximately 20 years ago. Doesn't seem like it's been that long. I've also been very active in many different clubs and organizations, including, past president of Mandan Kiwanis Club. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Staff. J.R., your next 60s. I'd like to introduce myself. I'd like to introduce myself as J.R. Carter. I'm a 19 year Mandan resident.

00:03:33,000	I'm not. I am an active outdoorsman. My wife, Lori, and my kids, Leland and JJ, are active in sports and activities. I'm a North Dakota National Guard retiree, an Iraq war veteran. I currently work at Sanford Airmen as a helicopter mechanic and as Park Board Commissioner.

00:03:51,500	I would like to be approachable, visible, and accountable to the people of Mandan. Thank you., JR. Layn Your turn. Hi. My name is Layn Mudder. I am a business person that owns a photography business in town here, which if anybody knows me, I usually have a camera in my hand and today I don't.

00:04:11,800	I, I'm on the park board as we speak, and I'm here for everybody. I want to be one more for everybody in and get as much updated facilities and stuff like that. So my, my, my point is I see everything through my lens and that's the way I think about things.

00:04:34,270	I was a past man in progress organization, past president, and and I've been here for 40 some years, which I'm scared to say because that tells me I'm a little bit older. But thank you. Thank you. Mile 60s. Thanks. Yeah. Miles Mehlhoff. I got ten years on. Stan. I've been here since 1977. My mother grew up in Mandan, as did her parents. So their generation.

00:04:58,100	I live here with my my wife and and children. I'm currently on the park board. I'm the vice president with the facilities portfolio. I've done. This was be the end of my second term coming up here. I'd love to serve a third.

00:05:19,370	I, currently, repping soccer and I've been past president of the soccer club and, volunteered at hockey and, other entities around that. You'll hear about, later tonight here. I hopefully. So thank you. Okay. Well, thank you all. And we'll move on to the questions so we can clip right along here. Stan, I'm going to start with you. You'll be the first.

00:05:37,470	What is your vision for addressing recreation needs for people of all ages in the city of Mandan. And that can apply to programing or facilities. What is your vision? Well, my mission has always been to be all inclusive.

00:05:59,330	As a former, board president with Head Incorporated, I want to make sure that all, ages and ability levels are represented within our recreational programs and our facilities. One of my, main objectives is also to stay fiscally responsible.

00:06:10,630	As we've talked about probably many times, I might start sounding like a broken record, but the success of the Mandan Park District in our facilities is based on partnerships with our user groups and with our business community. Without them, we would not be able to afford most of our major projects.

00:06:31,000	So that's my main focus, is just being fiscally responsible and approachable. Thank you. J.R. same question. I can repeat it if you need to, but what is your vision? My vision on the for the Park board is to be responsible to all the stakeholders.

00:06:52,270	So not only is it just the Parks and rec department, but it's also our facilities like Stan said, working with our nonprofit and our user groups, we have to have a common a common goal.

00:07:10,370	And, reaching that common goal, I think by me being more visible in the community and approachable, that's why I see myself as a good fit in the park board is I mean, I'm using these facilities every day with my kids or, or my family, and I see what's going on. And I'm approachable to the public. Thank you.

00:07:28,530	Lynn, what is your vision for addressing recreation needs for people of all ages in the city of Mandan? My vision is again, I go back to my one more statement. We need to. We need to make sure that we when we build our parks, that we go from not just from 5 to 12, but we got to go from 0 to 12. So it's one more kid and one more family that takes care of that.

00:07:44,900	I want to make sure shelters are available for family reunions, for family picnics and stuff like that. But most importantly is that we always talk about the kids and the areas of where they're at.

00:08:05,100	I also want to remember that we have people who are guests in our community, who uses our parking lots, who are restrooms, and then and I always tell people I'm a broken record about restrooms. But when you see people that come to our facilities that that need that stuff, it's very important to me as a photographer. I see it all the time.

00:08:23,430	So those are the things I'm really my vision is to make sure that everybody is being taken care of and not just the athletes. Thank you. Thank you. Miles. Same question. Yeah. Thank you. You know, the the the all ages that that's something we really have to focus on. We can't just provide for, you know, the 5 to 12 year olds or whatever.

00:08:45,870	And so, you know, working as a commission, identifying gaps in what we offer is important. You know, being open to other people's ideas. You know, if you're watching this and you have ideas or you, you you think that there's, you know, a new sport or something, pickleball is gaining momentum.

00:09:07,070	So so we've added that, you know, I was, pushed for, a beginner frisbee golf course that we've developed and we're still, developing, and that's good. That works for a lot of ages. And abilities and it's low cost. So, just being approachable and general public.

00:09:25,370	Reach out to us and let us know if you have ideas or you see gaps or or, we can help champion stuff for you. So thanks. Thank you. We have three minutes. Now, if there's any other comments you want to make on that topic. You. The floor is open. We have a little bit of time.

00:09:37,530	All right. Well, we'll go on to the next question then. J.R., your first one out of the chute for this one. What is your position on the continuation of the star in sales tax on the ballot in June? Well, we got to pay our bills first.

00:09:54,270	The the Star on Sports Complex was voted on by the voters, and they made a decision to fund that project. And we're we're going to we're not bringing the fire department's bringing it back to the voters. So as a park board commissioner, my stance is we got to pay our bills first and then they can worry about getting our getting that tax. And that's a whole new initiative.

00:10:10,470	And that question is more directed to a, city commissioner, because that's who would be funding a fire station, not the park part. Yeah. Landscape question. Yeah, the star in complexes is just about paid off and will be paid off so that sales tax will be going towards whatever project it is.

00:10:34,000	Now, my personal feeling is that because we're Parks and Rec, we would love to keep it. But what's more important is what's good for the community. The community needs a new fire station. Let's just be honest, because we cannot have people waiting 10 to 15 minutes.

00:10:51,700	So I if we as soon as a Star Sports complex is paid for, you got to get a fire station for the city and let us, let us not use it. So that's what it is. Thank you. Miles. Same question. Can you repeat the question, please? Of course. What is your position on the continuation of the start in sales tax on the ballot in June? Sure. Yeah. Thanks.

00:11:10,100	Yeah, I guess I'm. I'm in favor that I came early and watch the city commission and, and, they had some good points, on on their thoughts on it. We we definitely have some needs. And we did do some late inquiring through the city on on the thoughts of continuing for parking, projects.

00:11:31,330	And we were told that it was because those go through the city. We were told that they had bigger needs and we agreed with that. So, we'll take a back seat on that. And, we're just excited that it's being paid off, 14 years early. And so, who would have thought it? That's that's amazing.

00:11:47,430	So thanks for Mandan for shopping local and, all that. So thanks. Stan. The same question. What are your thoughts? I would, also agree with Myles. The fact that it is being paid off approximately 14 years early, shows growth in our community, which is a positive. I'm also in favor of a new fire station.

00:12:10,900	The being in the insurance business, like I am, response times for fires is critical, for all people involved. Now, is the story on, tax the way to do it? I'm not positive about that, but I do know that I'm in support of the the fire, fire department and the firemen and

00:12:35,630	would look very positively on having a new fire station, if that's what the money goes for. But, since it can't be used for Parks and Rec or maybe can't be, I, I'm not against keeping it, keeping the sales tax. Okay.

00:12:56,100	Any other comments on that sales tax question? I guess I would, I would just continue by saying, like Miles, the the city Commission is, is are the folks that are going to be making that decision. And they had some really good thought processes going on during their debate.

00:13:13,970	So, I think no matter who gets elected into the city commission, we're going to be in good hands. Listening to their comments were were enlightening. I'm glad I came early to to listen, but, yeah. So, I think we'll be in good hands and and, that they'll make a good decision. Any other comments? Go ahead.

00:13:33,000	You know, you know, as a small business owner, I would like to say that sales tax drives our our businesses. And and it's really tough if our sales tax is opposite of just the community that's right across the river. So one thing that we got to be very responsible as our citizens money.

00:13:49,730	And when we talk about money, you can you can look at it two different ways. If somebody is paying less in property tax, they have more money to spend in my business. And the sales tax for the visitors, which Walmart are they going to go to? Are they going to come over here for 8.

00:14:02,330	5%? Are they going to go over to Bismarck for seven and a quarter? So we got to really be cautious that we got to be competitive and we got to be responsible for our taxpayers dollars. Any other comments on that? Okay. So then we'll start with you on this next question.

00:14:26,900	How would you approach addressing Ada compliance for new and existing facilities? The Ada needs to be taken care of. We went through this with the Australian complex here last year. Basically we just have to get it done. It has to be paid for and it just it needs to be done. I don't including parks and everything else.

00:14:45,800	I went to a little bit of a conference that was talking about Ada and disabilities for all for parks and stuff like that, and listening to these people trying to get people to with wheelchairs and stuff like that to these parks is is a tough thing for them. So we have to listen to them and have stuff like that.

00:15:05,230	And we already do already have a lot of this stuff in place. But if there's something that needs to be fixed for that, it needs to be done. And it's sometimes it's hard to say that, but it has to be done. Thanks. Miles, how would you approach addressing Ada compliant? It's very important.

00:15:24,600	A lot of the ADA actually became federal law added to the Register in 2025. Up until then, it was it was largely, best practices. Or you should do this type stuff. So so we're in a different era right now. Access is very important to me.

00:15:45,230	Somebody really close to me is in a wheelchair, and, She came to the state hockey tournament, and they didn't have a good spot, so I had people move. They had to move the broadcast booth and stuff so she could sit with fans and, so as, Lane mentioned, we we had some, some starting and stuff.

00:16:02,630	We had to change and improve and we had relied on the architect, to have good guidance. But they had some, disagreements with the Department on Justice, and a complaint was filed. And I'm proud of the work we did to address those and get that Ada compliant. Now. And so, it's just something it's something you got to stay on top of for sure. Okay. Thank you.

00:16:21,630	Stay on the same question for you. How would you approach addressing Ada compliance. Without trying to repeat everything at all? These guys, said before, yeah, we just have to as a, park board commission, we just have to be very careful that we, daughter I's and cross our T's when it comes to contract work that we have done.

00:16:42,270	And not allow any add ons that aren't approved, at least by our legal staff, and then brought before the commission. And then from there, we just got to, you know, have to make our facilities, usable by everybody.

00:17:04,330	And we've always tried to do that, even commissioners prior to us, did a great job of on the facilities being accessible. But we just have to make sure now that we've been through this once, you know, fool us once. Shame on us, you know, fool us twice. So, Yeah.

00:17:21,700	So I'm just saying that we will be keeping a close eye on it and making sure nothing like that ever happens again. Okay. Yeah. Same question. Absolutely. Ada's not even an option. You know, I work with a nonprofit called Wheelchairs and Walleyes, and they put boat ramps that are wheelchair accessible, and it doesn't cost any money to the taxpayers. And that's that's the kind of things that's important to me as a taxpayer.

00:17:39,270	And Randon is the story on Ada thing was a bobble by the past commissioners and I don't that was money out of our taxpayers pockets. And I think it was very irresponsible of the contractor to leave those things out. And we're going to continue to pay for those for a long time.

00:17:56,800	And Miles is probably the he's the facilities and it's in his portfolio. So he'd be best to speak about what we're doing to get your money back.

00:18:04,730	Okay. Any other comments on the Ada compliance could. Just add onto that? My comments from before. So as we're selecting architects and, and, engineers, I think as part of the interview process and in the solicitation, get a better understanding of their experience and knowledge of the Ada code.

00:18:30,800	I think that's kind of where we missed, and so to just to be better for that, with regards to the story in that it went to arbitration and we didn't take the easy way out and we, we got a decent deal. They did some design work to get us Ada compliant, for free.

00:18:48,000	So there wasn't a big burden on, on the citizens for, for that to be become. And, yeah, I think we did just fine there. Any other comments on Ada? The other thing that I think a lot of people forget is that is that the federal government's doing the Ada compliance on websites and as you know, that that's very important

00:19:08,470	because by next year, 2027, all that has to be done. My portfolio's with Kelly Thomas, who's got the communications and stuff in, and we're already working towards that. We've already signed contracts so we can move forward with that. So we can have that done better.

00:19:31,270	So it has already been we're already a step ahead of that game plan. I know a lot of a lot of government agencies and stuff are still struggling and don't know what they're doing, and we're already a step ahead and we're already working towards it. So I really appreciate that. Any more comments on Ada compliance okay. Question number four Miles.

00:19:52,000	We're going to start with you for this one. What is your vision for celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States this summer? Well, I know the, Amanda and Progress organization and other local entities are doing, a lot of, work and going to have some neat stuff.

00:20:11,870	I'm going to be, I'm typically the waterboy for the marching band. So, pull the kids out when they get to arm. But this year, I think I got to drive the truck, so that's all I'll be doing on the fourth. Just just enjoying, the celebration with my family and, supporting anything that that the park district wants to do.

00:20:29,530	I'm not championing anything myself. The 100th anniversary of the of the, municipal golf course last year was a pretty big deal to me. My my grandpa grew up on you. A house that I think is on hole number two now. So, that was that was a pretty big deal to me. But, just support the community in general.

00:20:50,000	Thank you. Miles. Stan, tell us a little bit about your vision for celebrating the 250th. Well, I'm not aware of any, special, events that we specifically are working on, but, as usual, we will be at every single function that we can get to as far as anything that's, being held in Mandan over,

00:21:12,800	rodeo days and down in art, in the park, in the parade and all that stuff. One thing that really excited me was seeing the pictures yesterday of the, full size flags that have arrived now, the North Dakota flag and the United States flag that they put on display in the gymnasium at Mandan High School.

00:21:31,730	That that's the true meaning right there. So I'm not really worried about what my plan or our park district's plan is. I just want to celebrate our country. Jerrick, how about your vision for the 250th? You know, for me, it's being a patriot is pretty important. And, I'm probably to set the road race out.

00:21:51,230	I mean, I'm not going. I can be the water boy there, but I'm probably not going to be there. Will definitely be at the parade. The 3rd of July is going to have an awesome fireworks display, and we're going to take that in.

00:22:04,530	We're lucky enough to in man down the way to light off as many fireworks as we want. And then hopefully there's not a burn ban. So we'll pray for rain. The, we'll enjoy the rodeo that the rodeo committee doesn't really get job putting that rodeo on. And we really enjoy that facility. And, I'm just happy to be an American. Right.

00:22:23,830	Lane. Same question. This is going to be probably one of the weirdest questions for me because the Fort slide July 3rd, July 4th, you will be seeing me with a camera in all the events. I think I'm scheduled for six events. Third and fourth. I will be doing the fireworks.

00:22:40,470	I will be at the parade, I expect stand in jar and Miles to have water for me when I come by. Because I will be walking the parade, photographing. I will be doing art in the park. I'm a little bit excited this year, to be honest with you. I know the city's doing a lot of stuff.

00:23:01,700	The Parks and Rec is is not doing as much as the city is. But the thing is, is that the park is always doing their best with everything they're doing. So I always give them credit. If it's 250 or 251, the park still is doing their job. So that's my that's my comment. That's great.

00:23:24,170	Any other comments on your vision for 250 Years of America? Okay, we'll move on to the next question. And this time Stan is going to kick it off. Stan, would you support development of new recreation facilities in cooperation with the school district? Yeah. Thank you.

00:23:43,470	I think I can guess where this one came from and and some of the, potentials, but, once again, we have to go back to fiscal responsibility. One of the discussion points at this point is, indoor swimming pool, which could be in, cooperation with the school. Also, there's a potential for working with the, swim club, the Mandarin marlins.

00:24:14,100	And, there's just a difference in the type of pool that the two need. So we really have to dig deep into discussions and make sure that we are making good fiscal decisions, because number one, one is about 16 million won. The shorter 25 meter pool is about nine, 8 or 9 million. And typically pools are not moneymakers. They're about 250,000 a year deficit.

00:24:35,630	So we have to really look at that. Thank you. Jerry, your next same question. Absolutely. I think when we collaborate, that's when we get things done at a much reduced rate. And it's effective for the user groups and the stakeholders.

00:24:54,730	The, if it's it doesn't matter to me, though, if it's in the direction of a swimming pool or, or any facility we're looking at in the future, we're going to have to look at at a cost benefit analysis and figure out which is the best route to go for all parties.

00:25:12,500	I think that people are pretty respectful about that when we have just, you know, common discussions and it it honestly, to me it makes the most sense, whether it's sharing with the schools or the schools, the city and the county. So thank you, Lynn.

00:25:31,000	How would you support development of new recreation facilities in cooperation with the school district? I'm all for anytime we can work together is a is a great thing. I'm I'm going to go back to the indoor pool because that's our number one thing that everybody wants in our community. And my biggest worry is I don't want two indoor pools. And like Stan just brought up 250,000.

00:25:50,070	If we have two pools, that's going to be a $500,000. I don't want that. So we have to work together. The, the, the thing that I think we need to understand is I want to know where the Marlins stand with it.

00:26:05,800	And I also want to know where the citizens stand with it because of one of my priorities is, is swimming lessons. We have the Missouri River. I do not want to see kids drowning in that area, so we have to work together in more ways than one. And it's including swimming lessons. Thank you. Miles. Same question. Yeah, absolutely. I'm in favor of working with the school district.

00:26:28,530	We have a good relationship with the school district. We share a lot of facilities. Now. You know, the goal is to maximize the use of the facilities. And if you can have, different entities in there that just helps with that. Regarding the pool, that that is definitely a priority. The Braves center is aging.

00:26:49,000	It's, it's it's, lacking in amenities. And unfortunately, you can't do a major upgrade there without addressing some of the Ada stuff that we talked about earlier. And, it would just be, really expensive. So we, we we need to keep those discussions going and keep working with the school district as much as possible. For sure.

00:27:15,000	Any other comments on that question? And I, I just like to say I'm not against the pools. It's just that we have to take a good look and see how, either two groups or three groups can work together to try to accomplish the same common goal.

00:27:32,230	Some of our other projects, we were able to to work together with other user groups and, and get them accomplished through fundraising or use of gaming and, and things like that.

00:27:47,530	So, just want to make sure that, I have not made a decision on whether I'm in favor or against it, but I would be in favor of it if we can get the right pieces to the puzzle, put together the comments. Go ahead. Yeah. As I understand it, from talking to the user groups that they're there, it's basically if and I mean, if they if there's another swimming pool question, I can I can stop that.

00:28:06,100	The, talking to the user group on that, that there's lawn care swimming and shark car swimming. And so they're, they're places that do long course outside and there's places that do lawn care inside like we do currently in Mandan.

00:28:20,630	So that's kind of what that Stan was talking about with the difference between the pool size, if we're going to have a 50 meter pool or just a 25 meter pool, but I mean, getting I'm not going to know everything about every little user group. I mean, unless they come to us and tell them, tell us.

00:28:35,370	And that's what we really need is when the the citizens and the user groups come to come to us, we can make better decisions. And I think that at this time it's a little it's in its infancy. I know that, there was a maybe a handshake agreement years ago between that school board and the, the park board about if we build a football field, they'll be able to send them pool. But I think everybody's sorry.

00:28:51,530	I don't even see those signs anymore. So they might not even be around. All right. Any other comments? Because I'm just going to bring up is that, yeah. I think a swimming pool is awesome. And I'm going to bring it up to myself.

00:29:07,470	But I just want to make sure that we know how we're how we're spending the money. And I want to because of the Seren complex, the school in Hartford works great with that. I want to make sure that we also know what we're also doing with the with the swimming pool after it's built.

00:29:25,630	It's it's not necessarily because we're building it, but I want to also know how relationships are going to work when it's built. So anything else? Okay. Next question. J.R., you get this one first.

00:29:43,900	What ideas do you have for attracting and retaining park employees? You know, currently our the park staff does a great job on on rim Park employee retention. At the last meeting, it was said that all the seasonal employees that were at work at the golf courses are coming back. So I think that speaks to the leadership of the full time staff.

00:30:02,800	The, I know because my kids are in Mac and, and other things that that that staff is, is happy and they're whole, you know, they're they're able to fully staff Mac and fully staff the summer program, which in the past has been kind of they had some struggles there, but the, now they're fully staffed.

00:30:23,970	And I think that part of that is the full time staff leadership.

00:30:33,600	Marnie, say it again, please. All right. We have a texted question two. I got all excited. What ideas do you have for attracting and retaining, park employees? I think I think it goes back to our leadership at the Parks and Rec. They with Dustin and Kelly and Dave and those guys.

00:30:51,800	They're the ones who seem to keep everybody going. And we keep retention of a lot of those people. I forget about Garrett because he kept his staff at the golf course, too.

00:31:09,800	I think that has to stay as as as park board commissioners, we get to make sure that our, our managers and stuff are happy and can promote themselves of how good we that it is at the Parks and Rec for them to keep going. The other thing is that we can remember that learning or having these seasonal help will give them great education and also experience for future.

00:31:32,430	And I think we got to remember that too. While same question. Thanks. Yeah, I think first and foremost is just supporting the leadership of the Park Park district.

00:31:51,370	I think director Carl and and the marketing team have done a real good job at getting the word out, when we when we do need employees and, so we have 28 full time employees and, we hire 300 temporary and part time employees during the summer. So, there's quite a few kids. There are employees, I should say. And, you know, lifeguards is always kind of a tough one with raging, raging rivers and the requirements to become a lifeguard.

00:32:12,100	And so we need to be flexible and, think of ideas to recruit lifeguards. I think that that's a main one. Other than that, I think just staying, offering good benefits and and good wages, I we've done studies on, on salary, and, and that sort of thing to benchmark us against other, like, entities to make sure we're offering

00:32:39,270	comparable packages. So great. When Stan. It's not fun being last because they use up all the good answers. But, we did have a study done, a couple of years ago and was completed, during the last, in 2025.

00:33:03,730	And we actually were short or according to the study, showed that we were functioning at a high level with less employees than what we should have. So I feel that's a really good thing. We have, as Miles said, 28 full time equivalents and 300 approximately 300 part time equivalents.

00:33:21,800	And, the reason they come and the reason they stay is because of management and leadership and mentoring and the ability to move up in positions, not just to be there and being the same, run a job and they have an opportunity to learn and then move up and succeed in a new level.

00:33:40,070	So, our management is doing a great job of training and mentoring for the future leadership. Any other comments on, retention and attracting park employees? All right. I'm going to jump out of here. I do want to say one more.

00:33:58,070	Thing is, I think in our strategic plan in the Mandan Park Board, they talk about we need to start hiring some leadership that is in a different age bracket, if you will. And I do think there's plans in place, but we got to keep that in our foresight because unfortunately, Director Cole can't stay there forever and the managers can't stay there forever.

00:34:16,070	So, as long as we have a succession plan and cross training, I think that that it will be a very successful deal. Any other kind of. I guess I'm going to just piggyback a little bit. One of the first things that, and I'm glad you brought it up, is that I've always harped about that as an progress organization.

00:34:35,370	There was a retirement and we were struggling. I'm so proud of what Cole and it's those guys have already started working on and how they're thinking towards Cole's retirement 50 years from now. Say that. So I really appreciate what they're already started doing. But we can always do more. And that's that's the truth. Thank you.

00:35:00,800	Any other comments on that? Okay. I want to jump out of, order of questions because, we have a participatory citizenry, and we had a texted question in and I want to honor that.

00:35:20,000	So, Arlene, you are on the hook for this question from the from the people to start, what efforts would you take to ensure you and other board members do not use a position for personal gain? That's a great question. That personal gain, you have to stay neutral with everything.

00:35:42,900	And one of the things that you have to realize is that you've got to have checks and balances on the board, but also also in our policies of how we use things and how we don't use things. And I think as somebody like me, sometimes you have to sacrifice as a as a park board member of things that you wish you could do, but because it would be, it would take away from or take advantage of the park district.

00:36:04,870	And so it's it's a it's a tough thing to say, but sometimes we have to have the policies there to just say, no, you can't. And we had an incident. One of the first things of of somebody who wanted to continue to have their kids going to Raging Rivers and stuff, and we had to tell them no.

00:36:22,600	And that's that's the way it is. So checks and balances. Miles, go ahead. Yeah. Just looking at good points there. You know, following policy, being transparent, we have the open open records and so make sure that we're, living up to those, those laws, abstaining when, when there's a, issue or a vote or a motion

00:36:48,170	that that, affects you is important. And I have done that in my, in my, tenure. So, you know, just just making sure you're aware of what's allowed and not manipulating it. Okay.

00:37:08,800	Stan, what efforts would you take to ensure you and other board members don't use a position for personal gain? I really feel that's a pretty cut and dry answer. You know your policies and you stick to your policies. And that's as much as I need to say. Chair. Yeah. You know, there is policies in place and I think there's been situations or, you know, people have abstained from a vote.

00:37:29,370	And unfortunately, the community this small there probably is going to be some things that we're going to have to abstain for. But it's really tough as a board as if you're not present or you abstain because it changes the vote from a from a five votes where we where we have a 3 to 2 more like A22 situation or A31.

00:37:45,730	And it gets to be it gets to be tough. If you're involved in entities that possibly make you abstain from a vote. I mean, that's I, I see I don't know if that's the direction they were going or if they think that somebody was doing something wrong. I don't know.

00:38:01,000	But, the policies and procedures and I have the integrity to do it. I mean, that's what 20 years in the military will do is it'll give you the gumption to do just about anything. Any other comments on that question? Okay. Well, the people are with us. They're paying attention. We have another question. That's been texted in.

00:38:21,900	And so I want to get to that. Miles, you are in order. You're the first one for this. How would you address outside user groups getting priority over man down user groups and clubs in our top notch facilities? Well, I guess I'm not aware that that's happening. So if it is happening, I'd love to hear about it.

00:38:40,600	And that's something we should talk about. Again, we rely on our policies and our in our leadership at the Park district to, make the right decision.

00:39:06,270	And so, I think that an end user group should have first access, if, if the outside user group is putting in their request way in advance and gets it, I guess that's another discussion. If the local user group is is dragging their feet or wants to kick somebody out that already has has access, you know, that's a bigger discussion. But, I could, I could I'm not aware of any. So thank you. Up to you, Stan.

00:39:26,630	I would also agree with that is that, I, I'm not personally aware of any of those situations, but, would be open to discussion with, maybe the person that sent question in or, I believe our staff are being fair when it comes to scheduling of facility use, whether it be the all seasons

00:39:46,700	or the story on or whatever.

00:39:51,900	But, it's hard to answer the question if you're not knowing the specifics of the question. So I, I'd be in support of, of definitely keeping the standards as Mandan first and then others secondary. Okay, I'm just going to repeat the question, but. I don't. Yeah.

00:40:12,730	I think this is an outstanding question because I've got this question many times when I've been campaigning and and it actually speaks. And this is going to a good discussion because it actually speaks to the current three board members and the non board member, I guess.

00:40:28,630	But I think what they're referring to is the you, Mary, is the perception is that you, Mary, has priority at the Styrian complex because they have their own locker room and the men, that's that's what they're referring to.

00:40:45,730	Because I've gotten this question, I fortunately, maybe this person asked me the question, but I've got it asked, not in this exact manner, but in the manner of why does you, Mary, get priority at the Styrian? And I do think that, I would not give them priority because I'm a Mandan first guy. I own a company called last year. Renovations. So. I mean, I don't think that's any more man down in West River, but I think that if they spoke to that, maybe there's more history on that.

00:41:00,900	And Miles is even a hockey parent. So I think he would I think he probably maybe heard it before.

00:41:08,330	I think, Lane, you haven't answered this question yet. I wonder what okay. So you're sitting okay then. Okay. Yeah. Well, we actually had a meeting with the, hockey club director, through the facilities portfolio recently, and I brought up or they brought up potential of adding on, for dryland training space and, Director Hagelin

00:41:30,270	and I said, well, what about locker rooms? Are we short locker rooms? Because you, Mary, has one. And as far as the hockey club is concerned, there, there's not an issue. That doesn't mean that the hockey parents don't see it as an issue.

00:41:48,630	But the hockey club itself doesn locker room space because you Mary has has their locker. Okay, I'll go back to Lane. We'll open it up for discussion. And you can begin. The reason why I wanted to hear what Myles had to say, and I wanted to hear it because Myles has got the facility.

00:42:03,900	Portfolio for this. And also I, I have a lot more questions and answers. Is that, is that if we're talking about the university and Mary being up there and stuff like that, their lease was up in that. And if I remember right, I didn't hear any of the hockey boosters anything.

00:42:21,530	Same thing about a locker room at that time. If that's the story that I'm hearing, if there is something else that's going on about Bismarck or that Bismarck people are coming here, we also have to remember that that includes Bismarck businesses versus men and businesses. Men and businesses should come first versus Bismarck businesses.

00:42:43,230	So I want I want more of a story about what was going on and stuff like that because and then I'm going to and I'm this is part where I, I want to understand why this is, is being brought up. It's not necessarily if it's right or wrong. I just want to know why.

00:43:01,470	Because we need to know that answer universally. Mary pays us rent and stuff like that. So I understand where the where there could be a little bit of a conflict, but I just want to know why. So thank you. Any other comments? We start a little bit of time there.

00:43:20,270	I, I think this comment can probably be put into the ASA as well. Look at shared facilities. But I that hockey comment came from my parents that had a Mandan boy, high school player Amanda and girl high school player and a mayhem boy player. And so she she was kind of she had them all and they were all going at the same time.

00:43:40,530	And they're all trying to do the same thing. So it gets busy up there, but so does our ASA. So we got a I mean, but we got to work with the school too. And because the school has some nice facilities that we can use and take some pressure off of our parks facilities.

00:43:55,700	Any other comments on that question? If 30s okay. So, stand for back to you trying to be in order. This is going to be our last question. And so I think it's a good one to close on why what do you believe is the biggest challenge facing our parks right now, and how should the board address it?

00:44:16,900	Well, there's obviously a lot of challenges, one of which is not our employees. Our employees are very loyal and dedicated, hard working folks. The biggest challenges probably come in funding.

00:44:42,870	I know in the city commission questions, they talked about the 3%, cap, 3% cap doesn't include or allow us the chance to give proper raises, give proper increase in benefits because the health insurance goes up 8% and and then we have 300 or not. That made it 28 full time. And some of the part time qualify for benefits.

00:45:09,900	So, we aren't able to provide what we could provide without the 3% cap on the on the taxes. Same question for you. TR yep. What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing our parks right now, and how should the board address it? I think our biggest challenge right now, is expenses. I mean, the only way to make more money in any government entity is spend less.

00:45:33,270	So we don't we need to really do a self audit and look at our expenses so we don't have to short our employees on pay because we have some unnecessary expenses and, and create more of a systematic approach and so we have long term sustainability on how we conduct ourself audits.

00:45:57,700	So we are taking care of them the best. A fiduciary responsibility of the board. Thank you. Lead. What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing our parks right now and how would you. I truly made my it's it's still my biggest harp. And everything else is that we have all these great facilities. These facilities are wonderful.

00:46:19,100	They're beautiful. They're very nice, but they're not being used enough. I want them used more yet. We need more tournaments. We need more events. We need more everything for everybody from age 0 to 100. My dad's 88. So I can say 100 because I expect him to be 100. That is that's priority.

00:46:43,900	We get we we talk about finances and stuff like that. The more our facilities being used, the more our facilities make and more we make, the more we can help, more people. So that's my priority is to get our facilities even more used. Thank you.

00:47:03,100	Miles, what do you believe is the biggest challenge facing our parks? Oh, that code. J.R. And, and Stan here that, you know, the budgeting and the fiscal responsibility, with the 3% cap, you know, we're we're able to, to deal with that. We're one of the lower tax taxing entities in the state, of our type. We have a $12 million budget and 55% that comes from non-tax revenue.

00:47:28,370	So, you know, we've been the benefactor of, of gaming funds through the baseball club and, and, other entities, and, and we've gotten grants for, like, the boat ramp and also keep, keep looking at those are budgeting. It's a large part of what we do. We start in June and, and it's through October. Every year is budgeting.

00:47:49,330	And so so we're going through that with a pretty fine tooth comb and, you know, trying our best to be fiscally responsible, but it's a challenge. Yeah. Any other comments on those on the challenges? I'll just add to that that, we're not just looking year to year.

00:48:11,070	We are looking 3 to 5 years in advance of when things are coming off the the book rolls and how we can, plan for the future. It is it's a kind of a game, in a way, because you got to keep the good employees that you have. You got to pay them, right. You got to give them the benefits they deserve.

00:48:33,000	But yet you have to be responsible to the citizens of Mandan when it comes to the financial end of things. The only way like, J.R. was saying that, you know, kind of cut expenses. The only other way you can do it is if you add to the fees that you're currently charging people to use your facilities or for the programing.

00:48:52,100	We don't want to do that. We want to try to fix things the right way, instead of having to charge the citizens more to use our facilities or, join our programs. Any other comments? I'm just going to bring it up again and set budgets. We we have to be careful with budgets.

00:49:10,900	I as a business owner, I run a as a budget, but I as a as I know more and more of my my comment about events and stuff like that use of our facilities, the more we use our facilities, it's going to help reduce those budgets and make life better. So thank you. Yeah. Go ahead. Beth.

00:49:34,100	At the city commission debate, you know, they talked about streets and and infrastructure and Stan kind of hit on it a little bit. But but we've set in motion plans with our trails in parking lots and facilities to get them on a maintenance schedule, not waiting till they break down to, to stay on top of that.

00:49:51,330	And I think that's important. And that makes good budgetary and and financial sense. So, I think we're doing a lot of that. And, and trying to be good stewards of the taxpayer dollars. And, you know, one minute. Okay. Well, this brings us to our close. Each of you get 60s to close it out.

00:50:14,230	And, to be consistent, I'm going to start on this end so that we, we go opposite one time. So, Miles, if you could, give us your closing statement in 60s. Sure. Thank you. Well, first and foremost, thank you. League of Women Voters, Dakota media Access Tribune, AARP, and, I think that's it, for for doing this forum.

00:50:37,130	It's, it's a lot of fun. And, it's good to get the word out to the voters. I've enjoyed serving the citizens of Mandan for eight years. I've been proud to serve. We've we've done a lot of good projects. The, the tennis center. I like the, the disc golf course, a lot of baseball stuff.

00:50:55,600	So, I'm just been proud of the work we've done and love to continue to, to do it for the citizens, man. And so I look, I would love your vote. Thanks. Thank you. Lynn. You're next. I want to thank the, the League of Women for putting this on.

00:51:14,230	I know it's a little bit of work and stuff like that. I want to. I just want to say that. That, I just want everybody to use our facilities. It's just one more person. I don't care how old you are. We've got the walking paths. We've got the starting complex with all sides. Arena. We have playgrounds.

00:51:39,130	I want everybody to use their facilities, and that's all I care for. So thank you, chair. I would also like to thank the league women voters. I know you guys are an all volunteer organization. And you guys took your time to do all these debates. And I really, truly appreciate it.

00:51:58,330	The, I want to say that I know the programs because I'm walking in the footsteps of the majority of the people in the city that, you know, I every day with something from the Mandan Park touches me. And, I was pushed by a past, park board member, and it's a state senator and some local businessmen.

00:52:20,170	They said you'd be really good on the park board. I think you should run. But at that time, when he told me I was still serving in the military and I didn't think I could give it my full effort.

00:52:33,530	So when my military career ended, I wanted to serve the park board and the people of Mandan and, I think I have fresh ideas. I'm approachable, visible, and accountable to the people of Mandan. And I appreciate your vote on June 9th. Thank you. All right, Stan, take us out. All right. I'll take you out. All right.

00:52:55,770	Been a very involved, citizen of Mandan with, all the users, pretty much all the user groups between golf, boys and girls basketball club, baseball, Mandan baseball club, all those things. And I just have a passion for Mandan Parks and recreation. So I would really appreciate the support of, the citizens of Mandan come with early voting or on June 9th, to support me in the upcoming election. So thank you very much. Thank you, candidates.

00:53:23,430	And thank you, Dakota. Media access the Bismarck Mandan Chamber, EDC, The Bismarck Tribune, AARP North Dakota, and the volunteers from the League of Women Voters for organizing this debate. Thank you to the voters for taking time to learn more about the Mandan Park Board candidates and issues.

00:53:40,730	And thank you for those who texted in their comments or their questions. This program will air several times on Midco channel 602. It will also be available for On-Demand viewing at Dakota media access.org, and on the Dakota media access apps on iOS, Android, Apple TV and Roku in the air. And this will all happen in the days leading up to the June 9th election.

00:54:00,530	Before we close this debate, we remind everyone out there that you need a form of identification to vote in North Dakota, you can find identification requirements and additional voting information on the websites or at the offices of your county auditor and the North Dakota Secretary of State. And for candidate profiles, please visit vote 411.org. Thank you everyone.