The Wilson Brewer Historic Park Committee adopted a needs assessment list for the park on Tuesday morning.

According to Webster City Public Recreation and Public Grounds Director Kent Harfst, Gerald Peterson will develop preliminary cost estimates based on the needs discussed in the list. From this list a Request for Proposal/Scope of Services for an Architect/Engineer will be developed for consideration at the City Council meeting scheduled for May 1.

An energy audit report for the buildings onsite at Wilson Brewer Park was also approved by the committee.

Gary Groves, chairman, noted that although the committee had considered a geothermal heating and cooling approach to the buildings on the park’s premise, it is not an option financially.

The committee also discussed what buildings required heating and cooling. Due to the high cost of heating and cooling every building year-round as well as attempting to maintain the park’s historic integrity, the committee chose not to provide heat and cooling to every building on the property.

“I think we’re looking at the depot and the courthouse and the church to be the primary areas that we need air conditioning and heating,” said Groves.

Groves also explained they have to think of the cost it will take to heat and cool the three buildings over time.

“We have to mindful,” Groves said. “As time goes on we’re going to need a fund to sustain this cost, either through endowments or through a city agreement to fund some or all of this of the utilities, because they can be pretty high.”

Cheryl Patrou gave an update on the upcoming Spirit Lake Massacre Tour. The tour is scheduled for Saturday. Patrou reviewed the schedule of the day with the committee. There are over 50 people attending the bus tour.

The Wilson Brewer Depot hours of operation were finalized and approved Tuesday morning The hours of operation at the depot this season as follows:

Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.;

Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The next meeting of the Wilson Brewer Historic Park Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, April 18 at 9 a.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers.