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Dallas County Conservation Board approves equipment purchases, contracts and updated lodge rates
Summary
At its June 9 meeting the Dallas County Conservation Board unanimously approved purchases of two Polaris Rangers ($27,412.69 total), a canoe/kayak package ($25,426.33) partially funded by a $16,547 REAP CEP grant, an $18,500 skid-steer rotary mower, a Conservation Corps contract up to $21,600 (with $7,500 WDSG reimbursement), and new Glissman Lodge rates effective July 1, 2026.
The Dallas County Conservation Board on June 9 approved a series of capital purchases, a service contract and revised rental rates for a county lodge, actions the board said implement parts of its Capital Improvement Plan and use available grant funds.
Director Curt Cable recommended the board buy two Van Wall 2026 Polaris Ranger RGR-26 utility vehicles, trading in older John Deere units and spending a net $27,412.69, noting $30,000 had been budgeted for the replacements. The board approved the purchases unanimously after motions by Rebecca Hillmer and Dave Kraayenbrink.
Cable also told the board DCCB received a REAP Conservation Education Program (CEP) grant for $16,547 to reimburse purchases of recreational equipment. The board authorized buying canoes, kayaks, a trailer and related accessories from Crawdaddy Outdoors for $25,426.33, with the grant to reimburse part of the cost.
For equipment, the board approved a Diamond Mowers Brush Cutter Pro X 84 compact attachment from Van Wall for $18,500 to replace the current skid-steer-mounted mower; Cable said the unit will handle brush and trees up to about 10 inches in diameter.
On forest management, Cable recommended contracting with the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa for up to $21,600 for three weeks of work at the Kuehn Conservation Area; he said the Wildlife Diversity Small Grants (WDSG) program will reimburse up to $7,500. The board authorized the Director to sign the contract.
The board also approved administrative items related to the R R V T Phase IV ARPA project, accepting Change Order #4 which reduces final ARPA totals by $1,388.25 and authorizing the director to sign the Phase IV final pay application.
Separately, the board approved updated rental rates and contract language for Glissman Lodge to reflect forthcoming internet service. The approved pricing begins July 1, 2026, and sets the suggested weekday rate at $125 per night, weekend at $175 per night, and $875 for a seven-night stay; the board left refundable security deposit and dog-fee policies unchanged but approved revised deposit-forfeiture language.
All motions recorded in the minutes passed on unanimous votes. Several of the purchases and the Conservation Corps contract are tied to grant reimbursements or the board's Capital Improvement Plan; the minutes note staff will verify expense-report calculations and continue administrative follow-up on contracts and deliveries.
Votes at a glance: - Approve agenda: motion Rebecca Hillmer; second Dave Kraayenbrink; outcome: unanimous. - Approve consent agenda (including expense report note): motion Scott Hall; second Dave Kraayenbrink; outcome: unanimous. - Approve prior meeting minutes: motion Dave Kraayenbrink; second Rebecca Hillmer; outcome: unanimous. - Purchase VanWall 2026 Polaris Ranger RGR-26 ($14,077.84 net after trade-in): motion Rebecca Hillmer; second Dave Kraayenbrink; outcome: unanimous. - Purchase VanWall 2026 Polaris Ranger RGR-26 ($13,334.85 net after trade-in): motion Dave Kraayenbrink; second Scott Hall; outcome: unanimous. - Purchase canoes, kayaks, trailer and accessories from Crawdaddy Outdoors ($25,426.33): motion Scott Hall; second Dave Kraayenbrink; outcome: unanimous. - Purchase Diamond Mowers Brush Cutter Pro X 84 ($18,500): motion Scott Hall; second Dave Kraayenbrink; outcome: unanimous. - Contract with Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa up to $21,600 (authorize Director to sign): motion Rebecca Hillmer; second Scott Hall; outcome: unanimous. - Approve RRVT Phase IV Change Order #4 (decrease $1,388.25) and authorize final pay application: motion Rebecca Hillmer; second Kari Johns / second for pay application Dave Kraayenbrink; outcome: unanimous. - Approve updated Glissman Lodge rates and deposit language (effective July 1, 2026): motion Scott Hall; second Kari Johns; outcome: unanimous.
What it means: The approvals move forward with scheduled capital replacements, recreational equipment purchases tied to grant funding, contracted forest management work at Kuehn Conservation Area, and modest revenue adjustments for a rental facility. Staff are expected to finalize contracts, confirm deliveries and reconcile expense-report calculations in coming weeks. The meeting adjourned at 2:25 P.M.
