2023-02-08 - No Quorum
Blair Park Board Meeting Minutes for February 8, 2023
Call to Order: There was no official meeting due to lack of a quorum.
Present: Neil Jensen, Christy Rounds, Betsy Anderson and Park
Superintendent Pat Long
Approval of Minutes: None
Approval of Bills: None
Old Business Discussion:
1. A grant application has been submitted to the NRD for 10 trees to
be planted in the Southern Hills Addition and 11 trees to be planted
in various locations throughout the city. The Arbor Day Celebration
trees will be planted at the Hardy RV Park this year with Chokeberry
seedlings (donated by the NRD) being given to the grade school
participants.
2. Consideration is being given to a suitable location for a dog park.
Various locations around town are being evaluated.
3. The Depot is currently undergoing repairs on the stairs and deck.
The interior ceiling is being scraped and repainted due to a previous
moisture problem.
New Business Discussion:
1. Aaron Barrow, Assistant City Administrator, presented an update on
the planning and fundraising for Generations Park. The
Generations Park committee has currently raised $430,000 from
private donors and $500,000 in grant funding. JEO has been
selected to design, engineer and manage the construction of the
new park. The firm will also assist with additional grant writing. The
committee is seeking a natural layout and design including features
for special needs visitors and durable toys and water features to
minimize maintenance. The project timeline indicates a preliminary
draft document should be completed in February with initial
construction beginning in May and park completion in June 2024.
2. On behalf of the Library Foundation, President Mary Berg and
Foundation Board Member Chris Bilau asked that consideration be
given to the addition of an amphitheater in the planning and design
of Gererations Park. Their proposed facility would be used by the
library/schools for educational programs/concerts and also be
available for use by other organizations. The Foundation is currently
working with an architect. The proposed amphitheater footprint
would be approximately 2,000 square feet with additional space
used for a 250-300 seating area. The Library Foundation will be
responsible for the additional design and construction costs.
3. The Park Board has asked for periodic design, planning and
construction updates for both Generations Park and the proposed
amphitheater.
Respectfully submitted by Betsy Anderson February 11, 2023