08-10-2005Blair Park Board Meeting
August 10, 2005
Roll Call
The Blair Park Board met on Wednesday, August 10, at 7:30 p.m. at Black Elk - Neihardt Park but, because
of a thunderstorm, soon adjourned to Kathy Kuster's home. Members present: Neil Jensen, president;
Kathy Kuster, vice president; Ann George, secretary; Jim Peterson, Ardee Pounds. Blair Parks
Department: Pat Long. Not present: Donna Mahlendorf.
Reading and Approval of June 8, 2005, Minutes; Approval of Bills
Neither of these was considered.
Old Business
Eagle Scout projects. Neil Jensen said that although his son has decided not to pursue his Eagle Scout
designation, he'll put in the rest of the tree identification posts. Pat Long reported that Eric Schmidt will
plant the buffalo junipers at the base of the tower in Black Elk - Neihardt Park within the next few weeks.
Disc Golf project. Pat Long told board members that fund- raising for this project in Black Elk - Neihardt
Park was close to reaching its goal.
New Business
Letter from Michelle Widholm encoura _ inu the planting' of native p_ rasses at Black Elk - Neihardt Park
Board members appreciated the merit of Ms. proposal, but they acknowledged difficulties in
carrying it out, such as the need for burning such areas periodically, which is against city policy. After
discussion, Ardee Pounds moved that the Parks Department look into the possibility of planting
native grasses next spring, as a pilot project, in the small city - maintained area that borders Cauble
Creek on the northeast side of College Drive. Her motion was seconded by Kathy Kuster and
carried. Pat Long will answer Ms. Wilholm's letter; Jim Peterson will also talk to her.
Lions Park im{{{{rovements. Pat Long has talked to members of. the Lions Club about the Club's helping to
pay for a new 5'6 x 76' basketball court in Lions Park. Pat's proposal is that the Parks Department
playground budget pay for a new drinking fountain (to be put in this fall), grading, and two new heavy
duty adjustable hoops, with the Lions Club paying for the concrete work that will cost approximately
$10,000. This project could be done over the next two years.
Northern Natural Gas project Pat Long said that he has a list of about three dozen trees, including three
Turkish tree hazels, that were taken down when Northern Natural Gas moved the pipeline in Black Elk -
Neihardt Park. The gas company will pay for replacing the trees and will reseed the area and water it for a
specified time. Pat said that the company has plans to remove the old pipeline, which would do further
damage across the park from west to east. After discussion, Jim Peterson made a motion, seconded by
Kathy Kuster, that the Park Board oppose the removal of this unused pipeline if it is buried deeper
than 18 inches. The motion was carried.
The Park Board will meet again at Black Elk - Neihardt Park at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14.
Jim Peterson's motion to adjourn was seconded by Kathy Kuster and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann George, Secretary