2023-05-10
Blair Park Board Meeting Minutes for May 10, 2023
Call to Order: The Blair Park Board meeting was called to order by
President Neil Jensen at 7 p.m.
Present: Neil Jensen, Joe Burns, Kristi Rounds, Betsy Anderson and Park
Superintendent Pat Long.
Approval of Minutes: The April 12, 2023 Minutes were approved by Joe
Burns and seconded by Kristi Rounds.
Introduction of New City Administrator: City Administrator Phil Green was
in attendance and introduced himself to the board. He expressed
appreciation for the work done by the park department staff and for the
park board’s support of the park department and the community. He
encouraged the board to be forward thinking about the utilization of current
parks and what future park projects might benefit the Blair.
Old Business:
1. The Arbor Day tree planting celebration was held April 27, 2023 at
the Hardy RV Park. Mayor Mindy Rump issued a proclamation
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and greeted Ms. Rachel Aten’s 2 grade class. The Blair Police
Department assisted with the children crossing Hwy. 75 as they
walked to and from North School. Two Elderberry Bushes and
one Blue Spruce were planted – the plantings and the children
who assisted with the planting are identified on placard markers.
New Business:
1. Kristi Rounds presented information regarding a proposed dog
park. The Mandy Jo Rounds Memorial Foundation, a 501(c3), is
raising funds to be used in the creation of a dog park to be named
in her memory. The foundation board has done extensive
research into possible site locations and is collecting preliminary
development and construction costs. Available vacant land
spaces throughout the city as well as a portion of Steyer Park are
being considered.
2. An update of the park department staff activities included:
Black Elk Neihardt Park – trimming of tree limbs, mulching
around the shelter and general park spring clean.
Blair Cemetery – tamping and seeding of the graves and
removal of leaves and debris from the fence line.
The Blair Swimming Pool – maintenance has included
replacement of the filtration system – a new pump was
installed and the former filter pit now has an enclosed one
tank filtration system.
3. On May 27 native wildflowers will be planted at Black Elk Neihardt
Park by a group led by Kathy Prettyman. The proposal for this
planting was approved at a previous meeting and will include
native pollinator friendly plants. The site will encourage birds,
improve water quality, and enhance the beauty of the park. This
planting has been made possible by a grant from the NSA.
Adjournment: Joe Burn’s motion to adjourn the meeting was seconded by
Kristi Rounds. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Betsy Anderson May 12, 2023