11-12-2003g all Call
he Blair Park Board met on Wednesday, November 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall conference room. Members present:
Kathy Kuster, vice president; Ann George, secretary; Jim Peterson; Ardee Pounds. Blair Parks Department: Pat Long.
Members not present: Neil Jensen, Donna Mahlendorf..
The minutes of the September 10, 2003, Park Board meeting were approved, with the motion to approve made by Jim
Peterson, seconded by Ardee Pounds, and carried.
Approval of Bills
There were no bills needing approval.
Blair Park Board Meeting
November 12, 2003
Old Business
Skateboard Park Progress. The City Council has approved plans for the Skateboard Park, and a proposal has been prepared for
fundraising. There won't be a groundbreaking or tree removal until all funds have been raised. Twenty thousand dollars has been
earmarked from Keno funds, pending success of the fundraising drive, which by February should either be completed or close to
the target. Gifts are tax deductible. There will be a plaque with the names of contributors. The Skateboard Committee has asked
if there would be any problems with naming the Skateboard Park if there is a major benefactor. Ardee Pounds made a motion,
seconded by Jim Peterson, that the Park Board approve allowing a benefactor to name the Skateboard Park for a
contribution of $25,000 or more. The motion was carried.
Report on Eagle Scout Tree Identification Project (Steyer and Black Elk Neihardt Parks). Neil Jensen said that his son,
whose project this is, is putting the posts in and will mount the plaques the first of the year.
w Business
04 Budget Review. Pat Long noted that $3,500 has been allocated in the 2004 budget for trees and shrubs in the parks and
$1,000 for downtown plantings. The amount of $1,800 for Black Elk - Neihardt Park will be used to repaint the picnic shelter;
engineers will also be asked to look at the condition of the pedestals with mosaics and to make recommendations. The Optimists
Park on the river has been allocated $3,000 for the boat ramp. Other plans include use of Keno funds and donations for
resurfacing the outside edges of the tennis courts.
Discussion of 2004 Projects. Projects proposed by members included the following: directional signs to parks (needs to go
through the State), program introducing public to new wall in Steyer Park, attractive sidewalk leading to new wall area, frisbee
golf area on hillside, climbing wall for children, propagation of columnar maple by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.
December and January Park Board Meetings. Ardee Pounds made a motion, seconded by Jim Peterson, that the Park
Board not meet in December and January; the motion was carried.
Quorum at Park Board Meetings. Jim Peterson made a motion, seconded by Ardee Pounds, suggesting that the Mayor
talk to the individual who has missed many meetings about commitment to the Park Board.
Report from Arboretum Curator
Neil Jensen reported that the Tree City program is scheduled for April 7 and 8 in Lincoln at the Cornhusker Hotel.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall conference room.
A motion to adjourn was made by Ardee Pounds, seconded by Jim Peterson, and carried.
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•pecthilly submitted,
Ann George, Secretary