01-31-1990BLAIR PARK ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes of January 31, 1990
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The meeting was called to order by President Marilyn Gentry.
Members present: Gene Solomon. Marilyn Gentry.. Judy Sick.
George Wilson. Bob Leonard. Roger Hohensee. Also present: Rod
Storm, City Administrator.
December minutes were read Rs approved.
Election of officers. The following were nominated and voted
on unanimously as Blair Park Board officers for 1'390:
George Wilson - President
Bob Leonard - Vice president
Judy Sick -- Secretary
George Wilson presided over the remainder of the meeting.
Old Business: In reviewing the old minutes, the following
four items were found not to have been resolved:
1. Lloyd Petersen & neighbors around Vets Field had asked about
the planting of trees along the south & west sides of the field.
The Board was in favor of the idea. Some questions came up.
Were trees wanted for privacy or shade, etc. What species would
be best. Could we use trees from our nursery. Rod said OPPD may
have funds available for tree planting. Gene offered trees from
his yard if someone would dig them. Leonard will visit with
Petersen & report at the next meeting.
2. The March 3, 1985, minutes stated that Steyer was to work
with Bullock on clarification of the City Code, which was being
revised, to determine the authority & responsibility of the Park
Board. Storm could not comment on this without having the code.
3. Solomon reported that the roses given in memory of Bessie
Morse have been ordered by Walter Huber. They will be planted in
the Rose Garden. There will be 3 each of 5 varieties. The money
was already given to Verna Bull.
4. The question was asked whether the money was ever received
from Clark Jenson for the native prairie hay he mowed & baled at
Black Elk Park. Solomon stated he was out of business & we would
probably not receive it.
Wilson asked Storm how we can obtain equipment whose cost
exceeds our annual budget. Storm replied this is the reason he
has asked for 5 year plans from the various departments so these
needs could be co-ordinated. Solomon asked about a past incident
when a tractor was traded with less than 300 hours on it. Storm
stressed that he counts on this board and all boards to take the
responsibility to make recommendations to the City Council.
The question was raised as to the use of the Log Cabin in
the Rose Garden & the reason the Chamber had vacated it. Storm
replied that the Chamber needed to project a more professional
image to enhance economic development. He said that the letter
from the Park Board had been received suggesting it be a Park
Office €< there have been other suggestions including promotion of
tourism in the summer months.
A long discussion was held about the need for RV camping
sights. Highlights were:
a) Sites. South of Rose Garden. Optimist Boat Ramp & Water
Treatment Plant. Dog Pound. Pony Park. Black Elk Park. Dana
property off Nebraska Street by old barn.
b) Funding sources could possibly be Games & Parks or NRD.
c) NRD did some recreational needs studies about 10 yrs. ago.
d) Develop a few sites quickly for immediate needs.
e) Develop a more extensive plan for long term needs.
Leonard moved time be spent at April meeting visiting the
various sites. The motion was seconded & carried. Storm
suggested we involve others in the community in this project.
Some who had expressed an interest were: Lloyd Scheve, Wyman -
Nelson, Keith Christiansen.
Leonard & Storm presented what they knew about the NRD
corridor project. The plan involves returning land along the
Missouri to wetland areas. California Bend, which lies just
north of the water treatment plant, is a named site. Storm
thought letters from both the Park Board & the City expressing
support would be helpful. Leonard has information on the study &
offered to ask someone from NRD to speak to us about it.
Wilson asked that we order new equipment at the March
meeting.
Leonard asked for current information on the Nebraska
Statewide Arboretum in order to solicit corporate memberships.
New Business. Leonard suggested we sponsor a bird house
contest, have George Grube be one of the judges & use the houses
in the parks.
Sick read a letter (see attached) from the Nebraska
Statewide Arboretum re a landscape grant program. Leonard &
Solomon volunteered to attend the pre -grant workshop in Lincoln
in March.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at
9:25 p.m.
Judith A. Sick, Secretary