Parks commission approves April budget report and $66,104.94 in bills; director reports on programs, grants and reimbursements

At its May 26 meeting, the Isanti County Parks & Recreation Commission approved the April 2026 budget report and authorized payment of bills totaling $66,104.94.

Commissioner Tom Schibilla moved and Commissioner Carol Urness seconded approval of the April budget report; Commissioner Luke Merrill moved and Commissioner Adam Curtis seconded approval of the month’s bills and invoices. The minutes record both motions as carried but do not provide a roll-call vote tally.

Isanti County Parks Director Barry Wendorf updated the commission on operational items: the Spring Bird Hike at Anderson Park on May 9 drew 26 participants and 46 species; 5th Grade Conservation Day occurred May 15; Little Wilderness day camps will run the week of June 15. Staff completed prescribed burns across 13 units totaling 108 acres.

Director Wendorf reported a $27,500 quote from DW Companies for trail work at Nyman Park and requested the Isanti County Sportsman’s Club consider a donation to cover that cost. FOAP received a $500 grant used to build six floating black tern nesting platforms at Anderson Park. All five park drinking fountains have been turned on and Vegsund Park’s well tested negative for coliform bacteria. The county received $28,944 in state disaster assistance revenue to reimburse hazardous tree removal at Anderson Park from 2024 storm activity. No park visitor numbers were provided at the meeting.

The commission set its next meeting for June 23, 2026 at Wayside Prairie County Park and adjourned at 6:20 p.m.