02-21-2018Park Board Meeting Minutes, February 21, 2018
Call to Order
A meeting of the Blair Park Board was held in the Blair City Council Chamber on February 21, 2018. Board vice
president Jeene Hobbs called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Attendees included Jeene Hobbs, Neale Jensen,
Steve Tonn, Betsy Anderson, Joe Burns and Blair Parks Superintendent Pat Long. All park board members were
present.
Approval of minutes
Minutes of the October 12, 2017 meeting were not read and approved.
Old Business
Lions Bathroom project
Pat Long reported that bids have been approved by the city council and are under budget. The plan is to begin
construction in April and complete the project in August. The city will act as general contractor.
Playground improvements
Pat Long reported that the cost of the web climber planned for the Steyer Park playground has increased from $16
to $18,000, and the concrete price from $95 to$108/ yard. The estimated cost of the project including a parking
lot extension is $ 98,000. Long said using some donated funds and eliminating the parking lot extension would
bring the cost closer to the $95,000 budget for the project. Pat presented other possible solutions to keep the
parking extension
New Business
Kacie White presentation for craft fair at Lions Park.
The park board listened to a presentation by Blair resident Kacie White to hold a craft fair at Lions Park again this
year. White said last year she reserved the depot and used the space between the depot and the shelter. The event
last year included a band, a barbeque and performances by the Blair Dance Team and other local performers.
White said this year she is working with the Optimist Club. The club liked the idea of using the event as a
fundraiser and voted to support the craft fair. She said the fair would be a way for the group to make a good
amount of money for their projects. She said she usually charges about $30 per vendor.
Jeene Hobbs asked if White had permission from the city for her fair last year. White said she was in contact with
the city council office to do the show. It was afterwards that she and the council decided that we need to go over
rules. She said the concern was about charging the money and not teaming up with a non-profit, which is why she
is teaming up with the Optimist Club this year.
White said last year she was told that by renting the depot she could use all of the green space. Last year the fair
included around 35 vendors. She said she did not utilize the shelters. Some vendors did use the inside of the
depot. Her show included a barbecue and performances by local groups. The show was open and free to the
community.
She said feedback from the council was that it was a good event and they were glad we did it. We just needed to
work out the details of fees and working with a non-profit going forward.
Following the presentation Pat Long said he would a recommendation from the board which would be forwarded
to the city council. During a lengthy discussion, the board considered the following:
A. Does renting the depot and/or shelter allow the use of all of the green space or just the area around the
depot?
B. Could the contract be rewritten in simple, clear language with bullet pointed rules?
C. Could the form include an aerial map with check off for use of depot, shelter and greenspace?
D. Is there a precedent for giving an organization the whole park?
E. Should there be a distinction between use by non-profit and for-profit groups and organizations.
F. Should depot deposit and rental fees be increased?
G. Should there be a change in park facility reservation scheduling and procedures?
At the end of the discussion, the board members suggested that a joint committee be formed including city council
members, park board members and others to discuss park facility rules, rental and deposit fees and scheduling.
Jeene Hobbs and Joe Burns volunteered to work with the proposed committee.
Motions following the discussion
Jeene Hobbs made a motion to recommend that a joint committee of city council and park board members be
formed to discuss Lions Park and Depot rental and deposit fees. Steve Tonn seconded the motion. All members
voted yes- none opposed.
Jeene Hobbs made a motion that the Park Board recommend that Kacie White be approved for a craft fair in
support of the Optimist Club based on Depot and park availability during the calendar year. Betsy Anderson
seconded the motion. All member voted yes- none opposed.
Election of Officers - Following a welcome to new member Betsy Anderson, officers for the coming year were
elected.
Neal Jensen was nominated for the office of President by Steve Tonn and seconded by Jeene Hobbs. There were
no other nominations. All members vote yes - none opposed.
Jeene Hobbs was nominated for the office of Vice President by Joe Burns and seconded by Betsy Anderson.
There were no other nominations. All members vote yes - none opposed.
Joe Burns was nominated for the office of secretary by Steve Tonn and seconded by Betsy Anderson. There were
no other nominations. All members vote yes - none opposed.
Friends of Arboretum - A friends of Arboretum meeting will be held in March — date to be determined.
Arbor Park tree planting - The April 27 Arbor Day tree planting will be discussed at the March board meeting.
Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned at 8:45
Respectfully submitted by secretary Joe Burns February 23, 2018
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