The Mandan park board took up softball complex improvements, the proposed Mandan events center and updating of the park district's employee handbook at its Monday meeting.

The board agreed to move part of what it budgeted for the 2009 national softball tournament the district is hosting for grass seeding. The district is budgeting $10,000 this year and another $10,000 next year for capital improvements, which is being matched by the Mandan Softball Association.

Park superintendent Mike Zerr said planting the grass seed this spring will provide greater results when the district hosts the national tournament next year. The board approved $12,000 for this year, which will provide $24,000, with the softball association's match.

The board also provided a consensus, allowing the district to sell sponsorship of the softball complex scoreboards to establishments that sell alcohol. Board members explained that softball is an adult activity and alcohol is allowed with a permit at the complex.

Board chairman Tracy Porter added that there is alcohol advertising at the baseball park, race track and golf course. The district will look at selling sponsorship for $1,000 a year over a five year period.

With the potential of an events center being built, district director Cole Higlin wants the board to start thinking about how it will affect the district, particularly the Community Center. The center now hosts a number of events that would likely move to the new facility, if its built.

Higlin said much of the district's debt service will be complete in 2011, which provides the opportunity to expand and update the Community Center. If it is decided to go ahead with the event center, Higlin wants the district prepared for changes and expects the new facility could be a reality in three to five years, if the city moves forward.

"It's probably too early to provide any solid guidance," Porter said. "We still will continue to book events. At some point, the city will either table or act on the new events center."

In 2005, the park district adopted the city's employee handbook. With the recent change of having its own human resources and hiring of new employees, Higlin said he believes it is time to update the handbook.

Higlin said that a lot of the policies are related to the police and fire departments and aren't needed. He said that the district has started to do background checks on employees and volunteers with help from the Mandan Police Department, and there should be policies on how this is handled. The district should also look at employee drug testing and how that will fit in.

"When we did our salary adjustments, the direction I was getting from the board is that you don't want steps, scales or classifications, which is in the employee handbook," Higlin said. "What we do need to do is develop a salary range and job descriptions. We also need to look at part-time employees and the benefits they can receive."

Higlin asked that two commissioners be assigned to a committee to review the employee handbook, which is already in the works. Porter said he would appoint the committee following the June 10 election.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarcktribune.com.)