The Mandan Park Board is supporting a proposed event center, but members point out that there are some big questions that need to be answered.

The board, meeting Monday, discussed the recent public forum that provided survey data from a Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Leadership Team study. Park Board Chairman Tracy Porter was facilitator of the public forum which brought together the public and elected officials to discuss a future events facility.

Each of the local governmental jurisdictions was asked to place two members on a special events center committee. The park board's Jason Arenz and Wanda Knoll were appointed.

"There were also some questions on whether the park district would possibly be interested in doing a cost share for a feasibility study on the event center,"district Director Cole Higlin told the board. "My first response was that it is the city's responsibility since the event center will likely play a role in the redevelopment of the downtown core. If we put any money into it, it should fit our needs here at the community center."

Porter said that, as facilitator of the forum, he was happy with the comments made by the public. He said that the whole issue is in its infancy stage, and it would appear to early to give up on it.

"As a government entity, we would benefit from a facility like this. I think we should keep our cards in the game for a while," Porter said.

Board member Terry Kraft said that should a feasibility study show ways to move some events out of the community center, it could improve conditions, which have been stretched by public use.

"The key question for me is how will an events center be paid for. Not only paying for building, but the ongoing costs,"Kraft said.

Porter asked for a consensus of the board on whether it is still interested in participating or if the board should jump out while it still can. All board members agreed to continue participation.

Arlen Ruff, attorney for the district, said that it might be a good idea to do a joint feasibility study as long as it considered the community center.

"I don't think a feasibility study should just look at an events center in a vacuum. If we do one, let the community center be included, he said.

The board concurred with Ruff.

In other activity, the board:

3 Directed Ruff and Higlin to work with Mitzel Builders on a proposal for taking down a portion of the dike along the Prairie West Golf Course to facilitate a planned residential development.

Removal of the dike would in no way affect safety, Higlin said.

As part of the project, Mitzel Builders would bring in a water line from a lake that is part of the project, providing a second water source for the golf course.

3 Heard a request from Mandan resident Ellen Paul that a dog park be developed and agreed to look at it.