01-14-1998•
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Blair Park Board Meeting
January 14, 1998
The January meeting of the Blair Park Board was called to order by President Kathy
Kuster at 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 1998. The meeting was held at the Blair City
Conference Room. Those present included Kathy Kuster, Jim Peterson, Neil Jensen and Mary
Sue Pook. Pat Long, superintendent of the Blair Parks was present as were Myrna Brown,
Gerald Kuster, and Bruce Weber, all member of the Friends of the Arboretum.
A motion was made by Jim Peterson, seconded by Neil Jensen, to accept the minutes of
the September 15t' meeting of the Park Board. Motion was carried.;
Superintendent Pat Long informed the Board about progress being made on the October
snow storm. Clean up was completed for the park system. Some discussion was held in regard
to the agency that was responsible for cleaning up the area just north across the road from the
Blair Recycling Site. There was some concern about the trash and tree limbs found here.
Considerable discussion was held in regard to the idea of having a "Art in the Park"
program in the fall of 1998 to advertise the trees of the Blair Park System. After considerable
discussion, it was moved by Mary Sue Pook that the "Arts" programs be continued but that plans
for the program be made for the fall of 1999 rather than this fall. Neil Jensen seconded the
motion. Motion carried.
The Park Board also officially welcomed Neil Jensen as a member of the Blair Park
Board. Neil has been serving as the President of the Friends of the Arboretum and will continue
that responsibility.
Several ideas were expressed by the member of the Park Board as to programs that would
add to the activities of the Park.
Several suggestions were made regarding the naming of the new Park in Blair. Pat Long
indicated that the city was planning to send a newsrelease out asking the public to provide some
names for the new park. Members of the Board suggested that the Public then be given the
opportunity to vote for the best name of the park through "Entouch ". It was Pat's opinion that
the Park Board would be the group that would select the name to present to the City Council.
Election of the Officers for the 1998 Blair Park Board were held. Results of the election
are as follows:
President Kathy Kuster
Vice President. Mary Sue Pook
Secretary Neil Jensen
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The next item of business was the appointment of a Playground Committee from the
Park Board. Mary Sue Pook agreed to serve on the committee. Bobby Cade was also appointed
by the Board to serve in this capacity.
Mary Sue Pook indicated to the group that the "Beautify Blair Committee" was
disbanding. The treasurer for this group has $75.00. Her hope was that this money could be
used to buy benches with planters to be placed downtown. Mary indicated that she would talk to
the Chamber of Commerce about this possibility.
Pat Long then filled the Board in about planting plans for the New Park in north Blair.
Her presented some proposed plans for the park. There was a great deal of discussion about
these plans. It was felt strongly by members of the board that more trees need to be a part of the
plan particularly around the playground area. It was felt by the board that families would not
utilize the playground area unless the area was shaded in some way.
Pat will be taking our suggestions and coming up with a new plan to present at the
February meeting.
Pat also presented the Board for the Rose Park. These included plans for the sidewalks
in this park. Mary Sue Pook moved, seconded by Neil Jensen, to accept this plan. Motion
carried.
• With no further business, President Kathy Kuster adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully,
James M. Peterson
Retiring Secretary.