2020-11-11
Blair Park Board Meeting Minutes for November 11, 2020
Call to Order: The Blair Park Board meeting was called to order by
President Neil Jensen at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Neil Jensen, Steve Tonn, Joe Burns, Todd Wick, Sarah Boeka,
Betsy Anderson and Park Superintendent Pat Long.
Approval of Minutes: The October 14, 2020 minutes were approved by
Steve Tonn and seconded by Todd Wick.
Approval of Bills: No bills were presented.
Old Business:
1. Request from Stephen Fullmer Representing the Thor Trail Group
for Approval of First Section of Trail Completion.
Stephen Fullmer reported the completion of section 1 of the
Black Elk Neihardt mountain bike trail (3 miles). He stated
there will be ongoing maintenance of the trail to smooth rough
spots and clear tree stumps that surface as the dirt settles due
to decaying root matter. Trail signage will be installed in the
spring and will include directional arrows and names for the
various trail sections. He publically thanked the many
volunteers who diligently worked on the trail throughout this
phase of construction.
Sarah Boeka moved section 1 of the Black Elk Neihardt
mountain bike trail be approved and forwarded to the city
administration and council for their review and approval. The
motion was seconded by Joe Burns. The motion was
approved.
2. Progress Report on 2021 Projects for the Parks Department.
The downed trees and debris at Black Elk Neihardt Park will
be collected and placed in piles. The city recycle location is
currently full to capacity. When space becomes available
the debris will be moved to the recycle area for chipping.
The balance beam located along the former fitness trail at
Black Elk Neihardt will have two of the three sections
dismantled and discarded due to decay. The third section
will remain in place.
As a result of the recent ice storm, many branches and tree
limbs are down at Steyer and Stemmerman Parks. This
debris will be collected and removed as time permits.
The playground sand at Ridgeview Park will be removed in
preparation for the spring construction of the new play area.
New Business:
1. Request from Stephen Fullmer to Begin Construction on
Section 2 of the Black Elk Neihardt Mountain Bike Trail.
Contingent on the city council’s approval of section 1 of the
Black Elk Neihardt mountain bike trail, Stephen Fullmer is
requesting permission to begin construction on section 2 (1.8
miles) of the trail. During this construction he would also like
to add trail features to both section 1 and section 2. These
features would include table tops and drops used for
jumping. Each feature would incorporate an A line (the
descend route) and a B line (ride around) to allow for
jumping and skirting of the trail. Work on this section of the
trail would begin as soon as the city council gives approval.
Joe Burns moved to allow construction on section 2 of the
Black Elk Neihardt mountain bike trail, including the
construction of the additional features. The motion was
seconded by Sarah Boeka. The motion was approved.
Adjournment: Betsy Anderson’s motion to adjourn the meeting
was seconded by Neil Jensen. The meeting adjourned at
8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Betsy Anderson November 19, 2020