2021-04-14
Blair Park Board Meeting Minutes for April 14, 2021
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, Sarah Boeka, Todd Wick, Betsy
Anderson and Park Superintendent Pat Long.
Approval of Minutes: The March 10, 2021 minutes were approved by
Sarah Boeka and seconded by Todd Wick.
Approval of Bills: No bills were presented.
Old Business:
1. Update on Arbor Day tree planting celebration at Stemmermann
Park on April 30, 2021 at 1230.
Second grade students from South School will participate
with this year’s Arbor Day tree planting celebration at
Stemmermann Park. Tree identification placards are being
made; the placards will also recognize the school class
assisting with the planting.
New Business:
1. Presentation for Greater Omaha Area Trail Runners (GOATZ) to hold
a half marathon (13.3 miles) and a 10K (6.2 miles) at Black Elk, using
segments of the newly created mountain bike trail.
Serving as representatives for GOATZ Kim Bultsma, Jody
Green and TJ Ernst asked for approval for a running event to
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be held either Saturday August 7 or August 21 2021 8:30-
1:00 at Black Elk Neihardt Park. The group’s intention is to
utilize the newly created mountain bike trail for this run.
GOETZ is an all volunteer organization established in 2012
that promotes trail running. They anticipate 150-200 runners
will participate in this event. Each runner would be required
to register and pay a fee. After expenses proceeds from the
event would be donated back to a designated community
organization. GOATZ would provide proof of insurance, a
COVID19 protocol would be in place, all necessary signage
would be provided, portable bathrooms would be brought in
at their expense and clean up would take place by their
organization – their policy is “leave no trace”. They would be
asking for a volunteer from the community to sing the
National Anthem prior to the start of the event. Discussion
ensued regarding availability of the facility, whether there
would be a need for police personnel to help with traffic and
/or whether standby emergency services would be needed.
The need/location for parking was also discussed. All
logistics would need to be discussed with the city
administration.
Sarah Boeka moved to conditionally approve the request for
the use of Black Elk Neihardt Park for the GOETZ running
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event to be held either August 7 or 21based on
availability/logistics and move the proposal forward to the
City Council for their approval. The motion was seconded by
Joe Burns. The motion carried.
2. Friends of Arboretum will meet on April 21, 2021 at the City Hall
Council Chambers.
Adjournment: Neil Jensen’s motion to adjourn the meeting was seconded
by Todd Wick. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Betsy Anderson April 15, 2021