Board hears master plan timeline to start this year; storage, floodplain and exhibit 'phase 2' raised

Board discussion turned to longer-term planning for the Historical Park. Speaker 1 asked about the STEPS program and whether the board should resume work on it or shift focus to a potential museum/Phase 2 for exhibits.

Speaker 2 said the master plan is scheduled to begin this year. "We had it all ready to, about where you got to bid the reviewing the request for proposal, and then it will go out. We'll get the proposals back, and then it will have to go to council for their approval," Speaker 2 said. The board was told most of the work will likely occur next year after council approval.

A primary planning concern is storage and staff space: Speaker 2 said the park currently lacks adequate storage for collections and has no room for staff growth, with some collections stored in the service station while log cabins were disassembled. Speakers emphasized the need to assess the site (floodplains and logistics) to determine suitable locations for returning and interpreting the cabins. Speaker 2 said these topics will be part of the master plan so the board can present a strong stewardship case to the council.

Speaker 1 asked when the last official master plan was done; Speaker 2 said the official site master plan dated to 2009, with strategic updates since then. No budget figures or firm timelines beyond 'beginning this year' were recorded in the transcript.