08-13-2008Roll Call
Members of the Blair Park Board met at 7 p.m., Wednesday, August 13, at Steyer Park. Members
present: Neil Jensen, president; Kathy Kuster, vice president; Ann George, secretary; Ardee Pounds.
Blair Parks Department: Pat Long. Not present: Roger Petersen, Jim Peterson.
Reading and Approval of May 14, 2008, Minutes
Ardee Pounds's motion to approve the May 14 minutes was seconded by Kathy Kuster and carried.
Approval of Bills
There were no bills needing approval.
Minutes, Blair Park Board Meeting
August 13, 2008
Old Business
Update on tree cataloging project. Pat Long said that he was waiting for a good aerial photo of Black
Elk - Neihardt Park. He plans to do a GPS identification of trees there in October.
Update on Black ElkNeihardt Park projects for 2008 (Phase 2) and 2009 (Phase 3). Pat reported on
work on Phase 2. He told Board members that the 8- foot -wide sidewalks in the vicinity of the Tower of
the Four Winds had been poured. The concrete for the Overview Plaza will be poured within the week,
and then the bricks will be laid. He said that the Black Elk - Neihardt Park Board was trying to build up its
bank account for Phase 3, which will include an 8- foot -wide sidewalk around the Tower extending to the
west sidewalk. The sidewalk from that point east to the sidewalk around the Oval will also be replaced
with an 8- foot -wide sidewalk, as will the sidewalk from that point north, to connect with the new sidewalk
at the Tower. The cost will be approximately $24,000; Keno funds, tourism dollars, and a contribution
from the NRD might help pay for Phase 3.
New Business
NSA tour of Stever Park and Black Elk Neihardt Park. Oct. 23. 3-5:30 p.m. Pat said this visit will be
one in three that NSA (Nebraska Statewide Arboretum) members will make this fall to arboretum sites in
Nebraska. Board members discussed the possibility of serving coffee, cold drinks, and refreshments at
Black Elk- Neihardt Park for the approximately 40 participants.
Discussion of possible help from Master G ardener program. Pat said that Steve Tonn, the new County
Extension agent, is interested in involving Master Gardeners in work at Black Elk- Neihardt Park. Pat said
that he suggested helping at the new Veterans Plaza as well.
Friends of Arboretum. The August 20 meeting of Friends of the Arboretum will be on Wednesday,
August 20, at Black Elk- Neihardt Park. Participants will continue working on a tree inventory.
Ardee Pounds's motion to adjourn was seconded by Kathy Kuster and carried. The Board will next
meet on Wednesday, September 10, at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann George, Secretary