2021-05-12
Blair Park Board Meeting Minutes for May 12, 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, Joe Burns, Betsy
Anderson and Park Superintendent Pat Long.
Approval of Minutes: After the April 14, 2021 minutes were corrected to
include Joe Burns as being in attendance at the meeting they were
approved by Joe Burns and seconded by Steve Tonn.
Approval of Bills: No bills were presented.
Old Business:
1. The Goatz (Greater Omaha Area Trail Runners) Marathon
presentation at the City Council meeting was held at the Blair
Library 2233 Civic Drive 7 p.m. on Tuesday May 11, 2021.
The City Council approved the run scheduled for August 7, 2021
8:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Black Elk Neihardt Park. The Goatz
insurance policy will be reviewed by the city prior to the run.
Course adjustments will be made in case of rain – there will be no
rain date. The course will be finalized in June and reviewed by the
Park Department. The race is expected to have about 150 entries.
New Business:
1. Update of ongoing projects.
The park department budget for 2022 is due in June.
Bids are going out for the shelter work to be done at Steyer Park.
All of the tree plantings will be complete by the end of May. There
are seven trees that still need to be planted.
The courtesy dock and ramps at Optimist Park are being installed.
Relocation of these docks may be necessary if the river water level
rises. The new city water intake structure work will begin in June.
Because of the construction congestion in this area the north dock
installation will be postponed and installation evaluated when the
construction is complete.
The new graves at the cemetery are being seeded and fertilized –
this is about 25 plots.
One summer part time employee has been hired. There are three
more summer positions available.
There has been reoccurring vandalism in the public bathrooms at
Lion’s Park. Emergency lighting has been damaged as well as the
soap dispensers. Security measures are being evaluated.
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2. The Friends of Arboretum meeting date is May 19, 2021 at the
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City Hall Council Chambers 218 S 16 Street.
Adjournment: Sarah Boeka’s motion to adjourn the meeting was seconded
by Betsy Anderson. The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Betsy Anderson May 18, 2021