02-11-2009Roll Call
Members of the Blair Park Board met at 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 11, in the City Council Chambers.
Members present: Neil Jensen, president; Kathy Kuster, vice president, Ann George, secretary; Roger
Petersen, Jim Peterson, Ardee Pounds. Blair Parks Department: Pat Long.
Reading and Approval of November 12, 2008, Minutes
Roger Petersen's motion to approve the November 12 minutes was seconded by Jim Peterson and
carried.
Approval of Bills
There were no bills needing approval.
Minutes, Blair Park Board Meeting
February 11, 2009
Old Business
Discussion of 2009 budget Pat Long reported that the Parks Department needs to buy a new tractor, with
the old one traded off. Other budget items include removing and replanting trees on Washington Street;
playground equipment and tables; playground signage; maintenance at Black Elk - Neihardt Park;
sidewalks at Black Elk- Neihardt Park; and improvements at Optimists Park. Pat said that he's working
with the Optimists, the city, and NRD on this project, which will include paving. Emphasis on playground
equipment will be at Steyer Park The insurance company auditor had recommended the removal of some
equipment, and another auditor from the same company, who visited after the recommended changes, has
approved everything.
New Business
Election of Officers. Ardee Pounds's motion that the present slate of officers be reelected for 2009
was seconded by Jim Peterson and carried. The officers are: Neil Jensen, president; Kathy Kuster,
vice president; and Ann George, secretary.
Friends of Arboretum meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for February 18.
Discussion o &placement playground equipment. The focus was on Steyer Park. Pat discussed the
purchase of a new baby swing and circulated catalogs offering a variety of climbing walls. Other possible
changes could include a new slide, a new rope swing, and a new playground surface of crumb rubber that
would be especially needed for a climbing wall.(It was suggested that Board members visit the new
playground at Deerfield School at one of our spring or summer meetings.)
Discussion of Stemmerman Park tree planting plan. Pat reported that 12 diseased pines had been
removed from Stemmerman Park. They included Scots, Austrian, and Ponderosa pines. He plans to
replace them with a variety of evergreens and deciduous trees, all appropriate for this zone, from Siffrings
in Fremont. Pat is working on a grant from OPPD to help fund the replacements.
Jim Peterson's motion to adjourn was seconded by Kathy Kuster and carried. The Board will next
meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, in the City Council Chambers.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann George, Secretary