Atlantic Parks and Rec Director Bryant Rasmussen, Monday, introduced the new Parks Foreman to the Parks and Rec Board. Kyle Welter has been on the job for the past month, learning the ropes on the fly. Welter has eight-years experience in construction, a sales background by means of having an E-Bay business, and he formerly worked for a cell phone company.

New Atlantic Parks Foreman Kyle Welter (Left) & Parks Director Bryant Rasmussen (Right)

The Board also said goodbye to Board Member Charlene Beane, who is not running for re-election on November 5th. Board President Stuart Dusenberry said Beane served on the Board for the past six-years. He thanked her for her service. Beane said “It was the best thing I ever did for myself, and if I contributed at all, that’s just a bonus. This has been a wonderful experience, and I’m just so grateful.” She said “It’s been a privilege to be involved in so many fabulous things we’ve gotten done over in the last four-years, it’s been amazing.”

Board Member Erin McFadden is running for re-election. Former Atlantic City Councilwoman Ashley Hayes is running unopposed for the other open Board seat. In his report to the Board, Parks Director Bryant Rasmussen said the small dock at the Schildberg Quarry was retrieved from the middle of the lake following a flood earlier this year which dislodged and damage both the small and big docks.

The small dock has a second hinge which was damaged and was sent out to repair by Nelson Machine and Forge in Marne. Rasmussen said getting the small dock out of the middle of the lake was an ordeal, with some a scuba diver on Lake #4 willing to help drag the thing to shore. FEMA funds should cover most ot the cost of repairs. The original gang-plank on the big dock was removed and a second gang-plank is on order. Once installed, it should operate as normal. Other repairs are planned for some of the concrete pilings and other issues. Some funds may be available from FEMA for that project as well.

Rasmussen said also, he’s been in contact with Snyder and Associates Engineers to stake out the property lines for the Bull Creek project to see where the City can be flexible in addressing the erosion issues, as far as rip-rap and native prairie grass plantings are concerned. The engineering aspect will cost $5,000, payable from the Parks and Rec Department. And, Rasmussen noted that City Park bathrooms are closed for the season and winterized, except for the bathhouse at the Schildberg Recreation Area, which does not utilize running water.