The Bismarck Park Board today will receive a report and discuss proposals for Hillside Pool at its 4:15 p.m. meeting, but members won't open those talks for public comment, according to board President Mark Zimmerman.

Today's meeting will be held at the district offices, 400 E. Front Ave.

Instead, a recommendation will be made to hold a special park board meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the High Prairie Arts & Science Center, Zimmerman said. Plans are for that meeting to be an open public forum on Hillside Pool and Lions Park.

Last week's two-day open house on Hillside drew about 120 people, the majority attending Thursday evening's event at High Prairie.

Zimmerman said he had expected a better turnout from the community for the open house. The results of the open house will be discussed today, and Zimmerman said he expects there to be discussion among the board members.

Zimmerman said he wants to discuss, and hopes to entertain a motion for, a request for proposal regarding the Hillside site and an indoor swimming pool. Developing the parameters for the RFP will be important, along with a timeline.

"We should be seriously considering putting out an RFP. I've heard that at a couple of public meetings and through private contacts," Zimmerman said. "Honestly, it will probably be a short window in which to respond, but we don't want to preclude anybody from making a proposal."

The Streamline Recreation Development Group, a nonprofit organization led by local businessman Dennis Kemmesat, has indicated that it would build the pool for an estimated $6.7 million and lease it back to the park district until it was paid off, at which time it will become the district's property.

Hopes are to begin construction in August at the Hillside Pool site. To do this, Streamline would like an answer from the park board by the end of this month.

Of the comments heard by Zimmerman at the open house, there were indications that the indoor aquatic center should be built elsewhere. Zimmerman said he hopes to speak with Bismarck State College administrators next week about the possibility of a location on the campus.

The special meeting is scheduled for High Prairie because of the extra seating that is available at the facility.

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