05-11-2005Roll Call
The Blair Park Board met on Wednesday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall conference room. Members
present: Neil Jensen, president; Kathy Kuster, vice president; Ann George, secretary; Jim Peterson. Blair Parks
Department: Pat Long. Not present: Donna Mahlendorf, Ardee Pounds.
Reading and Approval of Minutes
Kathy Kuster's motion to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2005, meeting was seconded Jim Peterson and
carried.
Approval of Bills
There were no bills needing approval.
Blair Park Board Meeting
May 11, 2005
Old Business
Eagle Scout projects. There were no reports on the Eagle Scout projects by Neil Jensen's son and by Eric Schmidt.
Discussion of park usage.
Rhoades Park: This park features a rose collection and open space. Pat Long said he'd like to add a sidewalk that
would go to a circular pad, put in new plantings along the north edge of the park, and move a picnic table to a
mulched area. Neil Jensen recommended replacing dead trees with flowering trees.
Steyer Park: This park is an Arboretum site. The northeast section is primarily an activity area, with a swimming
pool area and skate park. The rest of the section between Butler and Lafayette is a picnic, playground, and general
purpose area. Members agreed that the area southwest of Lafayette, from the ridge down, should be left open and
have minimal development.
Lions Park: Pat Long said he'd like to have the city trail extend along the Park's diagonal fence line to Park Street.
He'd also like to take out the present basketball court and put in a new one that's double the size.
New parks: Pat Long discussed a three- to eight- year plan that would include a new park in the northwest part of
Blair. He said that a committee is working on the possibility of opening up California Bend to the public. There will
be a public information meeting on June 27.
New Business
Final discussion of a tree donation at Steyer Park. Pat Long reported that Winifred Nelson has donated
$400 as a memorial for her husband. She'd like to have a Ponderosa Pine planted at Steyer Park. Pat said
he'd send her a thank -you letter with tax information.
Discussion of park usage for other parks. See discussion under Old Business.
Arbor Day planting at Ridgeview Park. Trees planted: Norwegian Sunset Maple, Northern Red Oak, and
Autumn Purple Ash.
Report on disc golf committee. The committee has met and is developing plans to solicit contributions from Blair
businesses.
Report from Arboretum Curator
Neil Jensen said the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum is updating its Website and has asked for information on the
location of trails in the state. It was suggested that he send the NSA a Black Elk - Neihardt Park map and also
information on the Dana/Black Elk - Neihardt trail.
Park Board members will meet at City Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, and, weather permitting, will
subsequently drive to one of the parks for the meeting.
Jim Peterson's motion to adjourn was seconded by Kathy Kuster and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann George, Secretary