03-09-2005Roll Call
The Blair Park Board met on Wednesday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall conference room. Members
present: Neil Jensen, president; Kathy Kuster, vice president; Ann George, secretary; Ardee Pounds. Blair Parks
Department: Pat Long. Not present: Donna Mahlendorf, Jim Peterson.
Reading and Approval of Minutes
Ardee Pounds's motion to approve the minutes of the February 9, 2005, meeting was seconded by Kathy
Kuster and carried.
Approval of Bills
There were no bills needing approval.
Blair Park Board Meeting
March 9, 2005
Old Business
Eg Scout proiects. Neil Jensen had nothing to report on his son's project; Pat Long said that Eric Schmidt would
probably plant the junipers at the base of the cross in Black Elk - Neihardt Park next month to complete his project.
Discussion of usage for Rideeview and Stemmerman Parks. Pat Long provided maps of both parks.
Ridgeview: Members agreed that Ridgeview Park should consist of open public and natural areas. The area enclosed
by the sidewalk should remain open. Future improvements could include planting trees, adding a picnic shelter, and
enlarging the playground.
Stemmerman: Pat Long noted that no additional free space remains at Stemmerman Park. Board members agreed
that trees should be replaced as needed. Playground lights would be a good addition. Pat Long estimated the cost for
four fixtures (shielded for glare) at $6,000. He'll check with OPPD.
New Business
Approval or denial of undated disc rolf course at Black Elk - Neihardt Park. Pat Long distributed maps showing the
proposed layout of the disc golf course. He explained that funding to date includes $1,700 from budgeted playground
funds and $400 from the Omaha disc golf club. He said that if the Park Board approved the plans and layout, he
would ask Blair disc golf players to raise an additional $1,600. Park contours will not be changed, he explained, and
the launching pads will consist of wood chips, not concrete. The baskets will be dark brown, dark green, or
galvanized, colors that will blend into the park.
Kathy Kuster moved that the Board accept the plan as presented by Pat Long. Her motion was seconded by
Ardee Pounds and carried.
Discussion of gape (or other parks
Optimists: Only $1,300 remains in the Optimists Park budget, Pat Long said. He noted that the park needs new
floats. Members determined that for reasons of safety this park, with its eastern border on the Missouri River, should
not have a playground. They agreed that if the park is ever expanded to the north, perhaps with an RV area added, a
playground could be considered.
Vets' Field. Pat Long explained that Vets' Field is owned and controlled by the American Legion.
Green space at Deerfield. Pat Long showed members a map of Deerfield and available green space for a possible
future park/recreation area.
Arbor Da Plans. Blair's Arbor Day observance will be on Friday, April 29, at Ridgeview Park, with participation
by a class from North School. The time will depend on the school's schedule that day; it will be determined by the
next meeting.
Report from Arboretum Curator
Tree City. The Tree City program will be held in Lincoln on April 7 and 8, with the presentation ceremony set for the
the 8
Friends of the Arboretum, 501 C(3) status. Neil Jensen asked if the city could tae care of the necessary 501 C(3)
paperwork for Blair Friends of the Arboretum so that it could receive funds through the Blair Community
Foundation.
Directional signs to parks Pat Long will check with the State Department of Roads on the procedure for obtaining
directional signs to several of Blair's parks.
Ardee Pounds's motion to adjourn was seconded by Kathy Ku$tgr and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann George, Secretary