The Lady J's Catering concessions contract with the Municipal Country Club was extended to the end of September, allowing it to fulfill bookings that had been set up months previously.

The Bismarck Parks and Recreation District held a special meeting Friday to discuss creation of the 2005 Improvement District, approve softball-soccer concessions agreements, consider the Country Club extension and dispose of surplus property, including used pickups and playground equipment.

There was no testimony for or opposed to the improvement district, and staff will move forward on the final budget design, which will be considered by the board at its April 21 meeting.

Dell's Deli was awarded the contract for the softball and soccer complexes. Dell's bid had been accepted at the previous meeting of the board, which also rejected bids for the Municipal Country Club and Riverwood Golf Course.

According to district Director Steve Neu, staff has been working on criteria for awarding concessions. At the board's last meeting, it was determined that state law was "vague" indicating awards be based on highest bid or best bid or both. The criteria, which has been sent out to potential bidders, is based on highest bid and best bid. Concession bids will be opened on April 8, and the board is expected to make a decision at the April 21 meeting.

Lady J's will continue operating the Municipal Country Club concessions, with the board's approval of an extension of the contract from June 30 to Sept. 30. The board will look at how long before a contract ends it will ask for bids, to accommodate advance bookings.

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