Parks board approves finance report, authorizes Koteewi Aerial Adventures contract pending legal review

The Hamilton County Board of Parks & Recreation unanimously approved its monthly finance report on May 18, 2026, and authorized Director Chris Stice to sign a contract with Outdoor Excursions, Inc. to operate Koteewi Aerial Adventures pending legal review.

Director Chris Stice presented the finance figures, saying the department began the period with $4,917,779.66, recorded revenue of $133,665.68 and proposed payroll of $323,061.96; claims presented totaled $375,105.75, leaving an ending cash balance of $4,353,277.63. Stice also requested that BW Construction Pay Application #1 for the Strawtown Koteewi indoor archery facility—$642,191.36—be paid from grant line item 851800 while the department updates its grant accounting processes.

The board voted to approve the finance report as presented. Dr. Campbell, the board treasurer, said the board has a responsibility to understand large expense categories: "When a large amount of money falls under general expenses, it is the Board's responsibility to know more about it." Board members asked for clearer expense reporting where large sums are involved.

On contracts, the board approved continuing the Collaborative Training Network coaching contract at $9,500 through year-end. A separate vote authorized Stice to sign the contract with Outdoor Excursions, Inc. for Koteewi Aerial Adventures, contingent on legal review. Members pressed for stronger financial-reporting language in the Aerial Adventures agreement after noting the contract’s backout provision is permissive; Robyn Pauker warned that using profit as a gauge can be unreliable, calling such a test "squishy." Attorney Chris Neeson said the provision reflects historical practice and could be tightened if the board prefers.

The board also approved a routine purchase request for hydration beverages and electrolyte mixes for staff at events; Dr. Campbell clarified these purchases exclude energy drinks such as Monster or Red Bull. Stice noted the county has updated contract language driven by a new county ordinance and staff are coordinating changes with the county Procurement Director and the Governance, Risk and Compliance Division ahead of a planned OpenGov procurement rollout in August.

The board’s authorization of the Aerial Adventures contract was described by Stice as time-sensitive: he said the department was "tracking to open Aerial Adventures at the end of May or the very beginning of June" and that delaying approval for additional contract edits would likely push an opening to late June. The authorization was approved unanimously with the condition of legal review.

Next steps: legal staff will review the Outdoor Excursions contract and the department will return any recommended edits; the department will proceed with grant accounting updates and with the execution of approved pay applications and smaller contracts.