11-14-2007Approval of Bills
There were no bills needing approval.
Minutes, Blair Park Board Meeting
November 14, 2007
Roll Call
Members of the Blair Park Board met at 7 p.m., Wednesday, November 14, in the City Hall Council
Chambers. Members present: Neil Jensen, president; Kathy Kuster, vice president; Ann George,
secretary; Roger Petersen, Ardee Pounds. Blair Parks Department: Pat Long. Not present: Jim
Peterson.
Reading and Approval of September 12 Minutes
Ardee Pounds's motion to approve the September 12 minutes was seconded by Roger Petersen and
carried.
Old Business
Discussion on progress of depot at Lions Park Pat Long reported that members of the Blair Historic
Preservation Alliance had painted the 1880 depot that had been moved to Lions Park a dark primer red.
After restoration the color might change. He also said that the Parks Department and the Alliance are
making plans to upgrade lighting in the park, with the costs shared. Using keno funds is a possibility, he
said.
Discussion of Blair ElkNeihardt Park nroiect goals and approval. Pat also described Phases II
(Phase I having been completed) for future developments at Black Elk - Neihardt Park. These had been
outlined at an Oct. 25 joint meeting of Park Board members and board members of the Black Elk - Neihardt
Park Corporation. They are as follows: Phase II: Re -light the Tower and hardscape (i.e., replace present
4 -ft. -wide crumbling sidewalks with 6 -ft. wide sidewalks) up to the Tower area; Phase III: Complete a
sidewalk (6 -ft. wide) around the Tower and along the north side of the parking lot; Phase IV: Install a new
6 ft. -wide sidewalk around the north side of the park (enclosing the disc golf area), with small rest areas
with benches or tipis; Phase V: Build an interpretive shelter south of the Tower. The BEN board has paid
all of its bills and has about $10,000 remaining, Pat said. Action on a grant proposal to the Blair
Community Foundation is pending.
New Business
2007 - 08 budget review. Pat noted that the budget hasn't changed very much from the 2006 -07 budget. He
said that a Boy Scout is going to put in plants around the Hardy RV sign as an Eagle project.
Stever Park mappine update. Members of Friends of the Arboretum, Pat, and Neil Jensen have started to
work on mapping trees in Steyer Park.
Tree Brant from Modern Woodmen of America Life Insurance Company. Pat also noted that the city
had received a tree grant from Modern Woodmen; it has been used to buy a white oak that has been
planted below Ridgeview Park.
Other business. Plans for the winter months, Pat said, include looking over the playground equipment and
the possible purchase of new picnic tables and benches from recycled materials.
Next meeting. Kathy Kuster's motion that the Board not meet in December and January was
seconded by Ardee Pounds and carried. The Board will next meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February
13, at City Hall.
Respect lly submitted,
George, Secretary