03-12-2003Mill Call
We Blair Park Board met on March 12 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Members present: Neil Jensen, president; Kathy
Kuster, vice president; Ann George, secretary; Donna Mahlendorf, Jim Peterson, Ardee Pounds. Blair Parks
Department: Pat Long. Others present: Jennie Warrick.
The minutes of the February 12, 2003, Park Board meeting were approved.
Approval of Bills
There were no bills needing approval.
Blair Park Board Meeting
March 12, 2003
Old Business
Review Park Board Elections. Officers for the previous year were elected to serve an additional year at the Feb. 12
meeting. They are Neil Jensen, president; Kathy Kuster, vice president; and Ann George, secretary.
Progress on Stever Retaining Wall. Pat Long reported that the recommendation made by the Board at the last
meeting, that the wall be built of Highlands Blocks in the limestone color made by Anchor Wall, had been approved.
New Business
2003 Projects. A. Stever Retaining Wall. Pat Long said that including a stairway between wall levels would cost an
additional $250. Ardee Pounds made a motion, seconded by Donna Mahlendorf, that a stairway be added. The
motion was carried. B. Bathroom Painting. Pat has received a $3,000 bid to paint bathrooms in Lions,
mermann, and Black Elk - Neihardt Parks. The painting will be completed before the bathrooms open for the
on.
Other Goals for this Year. Members proposed and discussed the following goals: Directional signs to city parks
(needs action by State Department of Roads). Additional picnic tables ($4,057 remains in the playground budget). A
shelter and additional trees in Ridgeview Park. Relocation of trees and a new parking area in Rhoades Park.
Propagation of "flagpole" maple. Improvement of area around sign with plaques identifying Blair organizations on East
Highway 30 (this is on private property; possibly an Eagle Scout project). Installation of pamphlet holders for tree
identification leaflets at parks that are Arboretum sites (possibly an Eagle Scout project). Addition of tipi shelter at
Black Elk - Neihardt Park. Continuation of tree labeling.
Arbor Dav/Tree City Awards. A. Arbor Day Ceremony Anril 25 Members agreed that the ceremony should be
held at Ridgeview Park. They recommended planting a shrub and two trees (possibly a Prairie Fire crab, a yellow
wood, and an American larch). B. Tree City Awards Presentation Argil 1s`. Members discussed attendance. The
ceremony this year will be in Omaha.
Report from Arboretum Curator
Because of news that the State is considering not funding the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum this coming year,
members discussed writing to the governor and Senator Mick Mines. Jim Peterson volunteered to write the letter.
Ardee Pounds' motion to adjourn was seconded by Kathy Kuster and carried.
ectfully submitted,
George, Secretary