02-11-1998Blair Park Board Meeting
• February 11, 1998
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The February meeting of the Blair Park Board was called to order by President Kathy Kuster at
7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 1998. The meeting was held at the Blair City Conference
Room. Those present included Kathy Kuster, Jim Peterson, Bobbie Cade and Neil Jensen. Pat
Long, superintendent of the Blair Parks was present as were Kus Kuster, Judy Seaver, Bruce
Weber and Jenny Warrick.
A motion was made by Bobbie Cade, seconded by Neil Jensen, to accept the minutes of the
January 14th meeting of the Park Board. Motion was carried.
Pat Long reviewed the playground equipment that was purchased in the fall of 1997. A swingset
is to be placed in Steyer Park (funded from 96 -97 budget). A large grill is to be placed in Steyer
Park and a small grill in Rhoades Park. A second small grill and two spring toys will be placed at
park staff discretion. Suggestion for new equipment included a new slide. Discussed removal of
existing slide above Steyer Park due to erosion and safety concerns.
Final review was made of the new park. Pat Long had made changes in design as discussed from
January 14th meeting. A review of costs for the new park was made (attached). A motion was
made by Jim Peterson, seconded by Neil Jensen, to approve design costs for the new park, minus
items B ($6000 for sidewalks) and a portion of item K ($5000 for playground equipment).
Motion Approved. It was discussed that items B & K were the last items that should be installed
to allow for the vegetation to establish. It was generally agreed that if outside donations became
available, the whole project could proceed.
A motion was made by Jim Peterson, seconded by Bobbie Cade, to approve the new park
landscape plan as drawn by Pat Long. Motion Approved. It was decided that Neil Jensen would
submit the plan for City Council approval at the March 10th council meeting.
A review was made of possible sources of donations to offset the costs of the new park.
Discussions included; Masons, nurseries, seed suppliers, Keno and the Rock Quarry. It was
discussed whether the Friends of the Blair Community Arboretum had 501 3c designation. It was
indicated they do not.
It was discussed that an Arbor Day celebration will be held at the new park on Arbor Day ,
approximately April 21st, between 2 and 3 p.m.. Pat Long will line up 2 or 3 trees for planting.
Neil Jensen will contact Blair Schools for students to plant trees and the Papio - Missouri River
NRD for seedling distribution to the students.
A motion was made by Neil Jensen, seconded by Jim Peterson, to install a handicap ramp in the
Black Elk parking lot in front of sidewalk leading to the pavilion. Black Elk Funds are to be used.
Discussion held on installing removable posts back from the parking lot so that people could not
drive up to the pavilion. Motion approved.
Pat Long indicated that he had received no recommendation from the public on the naming of the
new park. Names suggested included: Blair Bluff Park, Bluff Park, Korshoj River View Park,
Valley View Park, Ridge View Park and Overlook Park. Park names was tabled till next meeting.
It was noted that Todd Morrisey, NSA curator of plants, will be in Blair on February 24th to give
a program. It was recommended to meet with Todd for dinner, prior to his program, as a friendly
get together.
With no further business, President Kathy Kuster adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully,
Neil Jensen
Secretary