JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Stutsman County Park Board held a special meeting Wednesday to discuss the single bid received for Pelican Point concessionaire.

The bid, submitted by Tom Schultz of Jamestown, is for a proposed contract of a 10-year lease with a starting annual fee of $1,000 for the concessionaire. In the proposal, Schultz would cover all fees including Stutsman Rural Water, Northern Plains, Central Dakota, and amenities. It would leave pumping and pest control to the county.

Schultz stated that if the county were to leave the pumping to him, he would look to have a longer lease to justify the cost.

Schultz stated that he would request all revenues be his in return for taking over all expenses. He pointed out that if the county wanted him to do his own pumping, he would be looking at a longer lease of at least 20 years.

Stutsman County Park Board Member Jason Hogue reminded the board that whether or not they accept to pump for Pelican Point, they would still need to address other sites that needed pumping as well.

Later, the question on whether there was a conflict of interest was brought up by a member of the public concerning the relationship between Stutsman County Auditor Nicole Meland and Schultz.

Commission Chairman Mark Klose stated they have all been transparent with the bidding process and all have no conflict of interest in the one bid received for Pelican Point.

Commissioner Steve Cichos stated he was uncomfortable with the length of the lease. He pointed it out that it would not be beneficial to the county to have both Pelican Point and the Marina void of any concessionaires.

Schultz stated that he would send a revised proposal including a 20-year lease that included him handling the pumping, pointing out that it might be negotiable.

No immediate action was taken. The item was moved to the next Stutsman County Park Board meeting.