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Members of the Hamilton County Conservation board met Monday at the Briggs Woods Club house. Board members include Jim Richardson, Denny Bahr, Mike Brandrup, Diane Sinclair and Jay Heeren.
Adam Schonert of Schonert's Corporate Catering was introduced to the board members, and they discussed the general operations of the Briggs Woods Conference Center.
Schonert began taking on the food service operations at the Briggs Woods Conference Center in August, handling a number of events throughout the first six weeks of operating the facility.
"There are usually three to five events each week," said Schonert, "The feedback has been pretty positive."
Schonert said they are still learning, and figuring out some of the ways the conference center has been operating.
"I've heard some great things," said Brian Lammers, Executive Director of the Hamilton County conservation office
Board member Mike Brandrup said he was pleased with what he was hearing. "I appreciate what you're doing," he said, “I appreciate that you have been able to step in. We need what you're doing and we need to make it more successful."
Schonert said the meeting with the board was good. "Ultimately they were pretty positive," he said.
During the meeting the conservation board members also approved the first steps of their strategic plan. The goals were approved by the board, which will be the basis for their strategies in the future. Those goals covered include strengthening the community connections through education and outreach; protecting and enhancing natural resources; expanding and diversifying revenue sources and recruiting, retaining and empowering a strong workforce.
An update was also given by the Golf Course Superintendent Travis Brown, who reported an increase in the golf course use this past summer. He also said that in spite of the recent rains, there had been minimal damage related to the grounds.
During the meeting a new policy was approved for the hunting blind for handicapped hunters, which includes an application for use that was similar to the application to use Gordon's Marsh. It was suggested that even though they don't want to charge fees for the use, donations would help keep the hunting blind maintained.
Continual maintenance of the Briggs Woods property was also discussed, as there is a need for an additional 80-90 trees to be removed.
There was also some discussion on ways the various county departments could help each other, especially as the budgets in all areas have been reduced and will continue to be capped in the future.
"How can all the departments work together and help each other," asked Board member Jim Richardson.
The next board meeting was moved to Monday, October 19 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hamilton County Conservation office.