03-01-1990•
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BLAIR PARR BOARD MEETING
March 1, 1990 — 7:30 P.M.
Present: Wilson, Leonard, Steyer, Sick, Gentry and Hohensee
Absent: Solomon
Guests Present: Nathan Hunt, Ken Rhoades
The meeting was called to order by George Wilson, President.
Minutes were read and approved.
Nathan Hunt and Ken Rhoades represented a group that was formed
to find a location for the cross made by Romuald Niziolek. They asked
for this board's approval to locate it in the Blair Park's preferrably
on the hill in the southwest corner of Steyer Park. After much
discussion, the board again referred the matter to the City Attorney
who had previously determined it could not be done.
It was reported that the roses in memory of Bessie Morse have been
ordered and a spot picked for them.
Bob Leonard reported on tree planting at Vet's Field. The trees
were wanted for shade on the west end by Parkview Manor and south of
the parking lot. The park nursery has Little Leaf Lindens that will
be ready in one year. Fifteen trees may he needed. We could advise
on the type of suitable trees and place an order but could not fund it
since it is not park property. Leonard will get back to Lloyd Peterson
with this information. The matter should go to the Recreation
Department.
George Wilson reported he will meet with Rod Storm monthly to
communicate park issues. He did learn that Rod wants Dale Stricklett
to be responsible to the Park Board.
It was decided we had not formally submitted a five year plan.
After a long discussion, Sick was appointed to compile a plan and bring
it to the next meeting. It was to include the issue of the hiring of
a City Forester.
After discussion, it was decided that the Park Board should send
a letter to the NRD in support of their Corridor project. Leonard was
appointed to do this.
On the subject of the log cabin use, a decision will be made by
the City Council in May. The group felt that we could use the space
for a park office.
Leonard will contact Solomon about their attending the NSA meeting
in March.
The Board discussed an R.V. camp site and felt our role is to work
with other individuals and groups in selecting a site. We will meet
at 6:30 next month to visit possible sites. George will put a notice
in the paper.
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Park Board Minutes (Cont'd)
March 1, 1990
Page Two
Leonard withdrew his motion to sponsor a birdhouse contest. We will
keep the idea in mind for a group that asks about doing a service
project.
Leonard received the updated NSA membership material. We now have
a new corporate membership from Ed and Andy Rasmussen.
NEW BUSINESS:
Playground equipment needs to be ordered. Wilson appointed
Hohensee and Gentry to make a decision and report at the next meeting.
Mapping of the parks still needs to be done. Horticulture society
offered to do this.
There is a new device available for tree fertilizing which can be
taught easily. An assessment will be made in the spring as to which
trees need it.
It was suggested that we need to do a survey of the condition of
the playground equipment and decided we would do it in May or June.
Ralph has a list of trees that need to be planted and transplanted.
About 150 need to be dug by hand and 25 with the tree spade. He will
make contact with Hansen's for the use of the spade. Hohensee suggested
that younger men need to be hired to do this type of work.
Ralph had a letter from the Ames Plant Introduction Center asking
if we wanted to order material this year. To participate in the program
(which we have done in the past), we need someone with the knowledge
and time to plant the material and document it's progress. Ralph asks
who will do it if he cant?
This led into a lenghty discussion that included the following
points:
1. To continue an an arboretum, we need to keep up with the
labeling of the trees, mapping of the parks and prepare a
brochure of the Blair Parks and Arboretum.
2. Is it time that we consider the hiring of a full time City
Forester? Ralph has given hours of his time to this for many
years and is becoming more than he should do.
3. If we can't have someone full time, could we share the
position with another town?
4. Is there a job description for the position of Park
Superintendent?
• Ralph will contact Dave Mooter to see about the possibility of
hiring someone from the University -the cost and availability.
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Park Board Minutes (Cont'd)
March 1, 1990
Page Three
Wilson will contact Rod to suggest this. Meeting adjourned at
10:07.
Judy Sick, Secretary