The Mandan Parks and Recreation District will spend $20,000 for fencing when it moves the horse arena at Dacotah Centennial Park next spring.

District Director Cole Higlin said that the area for the new arena was surveyed and stakes are in place, marking the area. The Mandan Horse and Saddle Club has come to terms with the move, giving the its approval.

Because of the value of the panels which are used for the arena, Higlin recommended the district put in a 7-foot-high chain link fence to protect the investment, which he valued at about $5,000.

It was decided to move the horse arena because of a conflict between the saddle club and the stock car association. There wasn't room for growth for the saddle club or expansion of stock car parking, Higlin said.

In other actions, the board:

n Approved a two-year contract with Brad Olson for management of the district's golf operations.

n Approved an agreement with Dakota Star Gymnastics for operations of the program. This is the first time there has been a formal contract, Higlin said. The district pays for rent of the gymnastics facility and provides payroll services. Dakota Star reimburses the district for the payroll. There are about 160 participants in the program.

n Heard that Condrey and Associates will make presentations on district job descriptions and compensation plans at the January meeting.

Higlin said that the compensation package may have a 9.5 percent impact on wages. Board members were concerned since they had to provide a 5 percent wage catch-up last year.

"This looks like another salary catch-up, just under another name," said Tracy Porter, board president.

n Heard complaints from residents living near the Missouri Drive about a bike path that the city is planning to build as part of its Division Street extension to Missouri Drive.

The board noted that it is not a participant in the project and has not been asked for input by the city. Higlin said he would talk to city engineer Tom Little about the project and share his information with Scott Schaner, Jim Bitner, and John Howard.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 701-250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarcktribune.com.)