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2006-39RESOLUTION NO. 2006 - 39 COUNCIL MEMBER FANOELE INTRODUCED THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION: WHEREAS, the City of Blair, Nebraska proposes to apply of assistance from the Transportation Enhancement Program for the purpose of constructing segments of the Lincoln Highway; and WHEREAS, the project includes construction of a hiking/biking trail from approximately 3 Street and Jackson Street east along the north side of Jackson Street to the intersection of Jackson Street and Blaine Street, then east along the north side of Blaine Street to the intersection of Blaine Street and Fairview Drive, then east on the north side of Fairview Drive to the entrance to Optimist Park, then north along the west side of the park to the north side of the park, then east along the north side of the park to the Missouri River; and WHEREAS, the City of Blair, Nebraska will have available a minimum of twenty percent (20 %) of the project cost and has the financial capability to operate and maintain the completed facility in a safe and attractive manner for public use; and WHEREAS, the proposed application and supporting documents were made available for public review at a properly announced meeting of the Blair City Council. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Blair, Nebraska that the Mayor and City Administrator of the City of Blair Nebraska, are hereby authorized to apply for financial assistance from the Transportation Enhancement Program for the purpose of constructing segments of the Lincoln Highway Trail. COUNCIL MEMBER ABBOTT MOVED THAT THE RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED AS READ, WHICH SAID MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFF. UPON ROLL CALL, COUNCIL MEMBERS SCHEVE, SHOTWELL, STEWART, ABBOTT, FANOELE, MCMANIGAL, BIFFAR AND WOLFF VOTING "AYE" AND COUNCIL MEMBERS NONE VOTING "NAY", THE MAYOR DECLARED THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 7TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2006. ATTEST: :1 Z/ike:(_L BRENDA R. WHEELER, CITY CLERK (SEAL) STATE OF NEBRASKA ) ) :ss: WASHINGTON COUNTY ) CITY OF BLAIR, NEBRASKA BRENDA R. WHEELER, hereby certifies that she is the duly appointed, qualified and acting City Clerk of the City of Blair, Nebraska, and that the above and foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council of said City, held on the 7th day of September, 2006. 2 , Gd1.tidt BRENDA R. WHEELER, CITY CLERK As 130 AGENCY (Ct. 0 VT:lap Gity of Blair, Nebraska, I GOVTAO:f Allen Schoemaker . MAILfiWG •";,-,SIORESEL Ser 18 South 16 Street 1M PCNE. 402)42&4191 k=NTA FEESON 74-el Men Schoemaker, Director of Public Works -GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY: Flit' Name.. rdo James Rea 1ph, Mayor Pa'..1. 'COST TOTAL:: $04,41924 taATC...i.margix FR:WOE& SY: $204,429.21 PRIJEOT TYPE' 6 caterfr Tralis State of Nebraska Department of Roads Transportation Enhancement Improvement Request (Final) ME: Se4d6.;a B1:98 la Trae,-Nc-1017 M 'no In Highway Trait PRO.(FOr DESPTiOn'LOCATQN: Ortauck wx 41 ;VAL: 0 1-fistaft Presemaion 0 ND (402) 426-4195 1 CIIY: STATE' Blair NE .V F.: 65008 I ARS@ .blairnaus StGNATURE st-a-- FONOS REDO, aTf.\ 00,000,000..00 / E'ROENTAGE. OF M cem." city 0 Stat' FAN NUMBER: Li St o sre Eiyv*ys •., 0 Cwrrty o other The Gity of Blair proposes to construct the 'Old Lincoln Highway Trair that will be an extension of t le existing Bike Trail that currently terminates at Jackson Street and 3rd Street, The new trail will be located on the north side of Jackson Street and continue east to the frirsection of Blaine Street: The trail will continue northeasterly ang Blaine Street to Fairview Drive and then east 'again to the Optimist Boat Ramp and Park. The new trail will be approximately 12 miles long and will be 10 feet wide and 6 inches thick constructed of PC concrete, DESOR, HWYotJR Faan-T,T ELArS ro MANSFosTATLt The Old Lincoln Highway Trait will provide for non-motcrized alterative atematve transportaon to a popular and heavy us City park on the MisSouri River and California Bend recreational area, in an area where there are currently no pedestian sidewalks. The Old Lincoln Highway Trail will follow along the old and fliorical Lincoln Highway route throtioh the City of Blair. This proposed tia will re-familiarize the citizens of Blair and sunbtinding areas with this historic highway. We propose o use the signage along the trail identifying the route as that of the Old Lincoiri Hiohway. Reie, J une Pi, 20a5 - Page 4 12. - HAVE YCW- CWD P.ThThZ NT F{J-NaZir' PA-F-57 Ed YES 0 YES, PLEASE LIZ' AIL PROji-WM FUNDED AND TOTAL. C..-DLIARS RE Dana Trail received $478,55 Deerfield Trail received $386173. rafF-Nr ;s- PART oF A .FLAN riat.tipzew. tre Oid Lincoln -Highway Trail was identified in the 21101 Blair Master Trails Plan prepared by FiDG, and adopted he Blair City Council. PUBLIC', S f,72:= HU; PR Construct:on of this trail wilf allow pedestrians and bioyclists to access a popular and heavily used Optimist Park on the 'Missouri River. Currently, there are- no sidewalks along this proposed route. This new trail segment will also provide a connection (Please refer to attached proposed Master plan.) with the prop-osed Papio Missouri River NRD California Bend Trail and Recreation area approximate 1.5 miles north along the west side of th Missouri River, This proposed recreational area is a joint project between the City of Blair and tne Papio Missouri River NRD and will utilize the new habttaf area created by the corps of engineers along the west side- of the Missouri River providing a safe family oriented recnsational area bianrled in with a natural habitat area, The Old Liman Highway Trail will follow along the old and historical Lincoln Hallway route Through the C-0 of Blair, This- p bike trail wiff re-familiarize the citizens of Blair and surrounding areas with this historic highway. We propose- to use: signage along the trail iderrlifOng the route as that of the Old Lincoln Highway. THIS. PROJECT SUPPORTE Y: - The City of Blair Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District and the individuals and groups who have submitted iett-v:s of support w-hich are included as attachments in this application. Attach the fbillowing required items: • Budget • Map x 11 only.) Maps of some communities nay be obtained from the Department of Roads' Map Satas at (402) 479-4503. • Resolution Environmental Impact Fo. - s (DR Form 275) Rv. june 16, 2OL9 - Page 6. Nev. access control 7. Relocation of persons, businesses, etc., require 111. Flocdplain Permit required 12. Any wetland involvement 13. 14. Review Area 5.. Public interest likely to Ser.:tion 404 Permit require Nebraska Dep artment o Roads Environmental Review Project on new ai k7ent 2. Additional right-of 1)Z: No 17 Minor J Significant required 3. Any railroad crossings No fl Yes 4. Airport within ½ mile - 0 No 0 Yes 7 No Any significant stream crossings 9, Any channel thanes require.d Estimated Invverne n kelinor ri Major ow 'Met' No 0 Yes Estimated NO. No fl Yes f1 Ves No 0 Possible 0 No Fl Possible 0 No Li Yes Yes Realignment Partial Full Ef Passible 0 Yes Control No,: Project No,: Location: Pubic interest will be hicth Remarks I Reviewed By linitials Date 3 • 35. . Ar quality 1 171 Noise qu alt Ene;rgy conservation - dscapina l2a. Fish and wildlife Review Area 121._ Water quality 122 O;v - Rights (1,4Inorily famive.menti 23. Neighborhood disruption 24.. Schools, churches,. cemeteries or hospitals 25. Public health and safety 26. Economic activity 27. Tax base and property values . 4(0 or 6(0 and X - Hist l30r. Multiple Lrse of space 31. Public transportation 62, Prime familand or irrigation facilities Possible Effect 1 None I Minor Signif., X I X X X X i lise of trail for exeroise and health benefits Pro Additiortai improvements to and Remarks Gasoline cansurnOlon should be reduced for bid clists and pedestrians t Unks Optimist River Park to ill Town e. tv values near the trail will increase Reviewed By initials1 Data No, 1009.00 1010,00 1030.09 1033.0a 1101.00 1101.25 1105,00 1107,00 1119.00 Remove Inlet 1121.00 Remove Concrete Fiume 1143.00 Remove Drivey CUIvert Pipe 2010.03 Gravel Surface Course 3016.62 Concrete Class 478-3000 Bikeway 7017.00 Remove_ Guardrail 7018.01 9005.45 9053.00 W222.89 W800.23 DESCRIPTION General Clearing and Grubbing Excavation for Retaining Was Earthwork Measured in Embankment Roadway Grading Remove. Pavement Sawing Pavement Remove Driveway Remove Walk Reset Guardrail Asphaltic Concrete, Type SP4 (0.5) Tack Goat Reconstruct Fire Hydrant Remove Fire Hydrant Construct Concrete Retaining!; Wall Prefabricated Trail Bridge CITY OF BLAIR B/KE TRAIL HOM PROJECT NO. MOOD PRELIIVIINARY OPINION OF PROBABLE PR j August 28, 2906 ESTIMATED • QUANTITY 1 LS 1,000 CY 2,000 CY 57.60 STA 3,145 SY 25 LF 200 SY 47 SY 1 EA 1 EA 400 LF 30 TON 6,400 SY 30 LF 30 LF 925 TON 550 GAL 1 'EA 1 EA 3,650 SF 1 LS C OSTS UNIT COST $10,000.00 $5.00 35.00 $200.00 10.00 $0.50 $15.00 $15,00 saaoa $1,200.00 $10.00 $20.00 $ $2.00 $3.00 $54.00 $1.50 $1,000.00 $500.00 $25.00 $130,000.00 Subtot4 Mobilization (8%) $41,997. Total Construction Cost $566,959.50 Desion Engineering (10%) 356,695.95 Construction Management (14%) 379,374.33 Total Project Cost 3703,029.78 1'4Th STREET; surrE ZOO, OMAHA \FBRASKA 6B'M ft:021 e.mse FAN: 0021 84S-0224 040 - AVENLY:, BOX 010, COUNCIL auFFS, IOWA 51502. +712) : FX 712) 22344 f- TOTAL COST $10,000.00 $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $11,520.00 $31,650.00 $12.50 $3,000.00 31,005.00 $500.00 $1,200.00 $4,000.00 $600.00 $172,800:00 $60.00 $90.00 $49,950.00 $825.00 31,000.09 $500.00 $91,250.00 3130,000.00 $524,962.59 California Bend Recreation and Habitat faster Plan Design Narrative Project Back_ground California Bend is a 221 acre envirormentA re ration area located on the northe corner of Blair, inmi.ediately of Optiroist River Park_ The site is adjacent to the Missouri River and includes about 1 Y.1. miles of river shoreline. New shallow-water channels were cut through, the California Bend site to create areas that flow slower than the river's main channel. These replace natural chutes and wetlan-ds that were lost when the Missouri River was channelized This restoration work was funded by the Corps of Engineers and: Papio-Missouri River Nataml Resources District. The Natural Resources District owns 210 acres of the site and has peitaanent environmental easements on the other 11 acres. Purpose of Recreation and Flabfrat Master Plan The City of Blair partnered with the Papio-Missonti River Natural Resources District to develop a master plan to guide futtre recreational uses and wildlife habitat improvements at California. Bend- The master plan ines the types of allowable recreational uses, proposed site improvements to support public access and use and the probable cost of constructing these improvements in 2005 dollars. Master Planning Process The master plaii was developt.,-d by n 11-person committee chaired by Council Member fan Stewart. The committee iiaChided representatives of the community, city government and the Natural Resources District (NRD) assisted by the Omaha landscape axhitectural fin n Big Muddy Workshop, Inc. Throuth a series of rueetinas, the committee discussed possible uses, reviewed alternate desiim proposals, participated in two public meetings to gather input from Blair citizens, and selected the preferred master plan option for reftement into the final plan. The committee's active pa.4 and support of the project resulted in the master plan's adoption by the Blair City Council on August 23, 9005, Allowable Recreational Uses on Sites Restored Using Seed-or( 1135 Funds California Bend's natLTal r..,.-eas were restorM. using Corps of Engineers Section 1135 Progana funds. Thisproani pays for restoting baciavnters chutes„ wetlands and aquatic areas that were negatively impacted by past riverbank stabilization and navigation projects. The program's prin y objecdve is to re-create destroyed or degraded wildlife habitat. Recreational activities on restored areas are considered a "secondary- use" that must be cornpadble with the goal to provide high-quality wildlife, habitat and do not deorade v;, habitat During the master plan process, representative of the City,. NRD and Big Muddy Workshop meet with Corps ofEns.rineers steff to discuss proposed recreational uses and subsequentl corresponded with Corps staff via telephon e. conversations and email to refine ,q finalize the list of allowable uses. During this process, it was determined that no ovemi2ht uses would be allowed and that recreational uses would be resiri, to the dayliott hour. Recreational acvitie udged to b compatible by the Corps in.clude those uses that are directly tied to the enjoym. ent of the, site's natural resources.. Compatible recreational us are primarily "muscle-powered" activities to include: mmting and bking, -bicycling on designated traiis -dog-walking on leashes on existing -nature study, birding and photography, -educationa1 and interpretive, exhibits and prog.lms, -fishing, -canoeing and kayaking on the chute, -no-wake motorized boating on the chute as allowed by state L.,. - n, and -infrequent public event c that in some way relate m the site's natural resources and occur once a year or less Example: cros-s-country tack event. Incompatible recreational uses that would have a negaxive impact on wildlife include: -ffitemal circulatior, roads and parking areas, -off-road motorized recreational vehicles, -cross-country mountain. biking; -hunting, -dog field training or dogs off-leash on site, -those requiring developed sport fields or maintained courses, -those that would destroy natural vegetation or cause eros and -those that create sustained noise, light and human activity. Several islands were created at , „,aliibmia Bend as result of the restored river ebanne These islands are intended to serve as wildlife - refuges and only incidental hwnan access, such as occasional shoreline fishing accessed. by boat, are allowed, Development Goals 84 Proposed Site Improvements The citizen's committee established a number of goals that were to be met in developing the master plan. An underlying concept to all of these goals was that California Bend provides a unique opportunity to have a Egli-quality natural area on the edge of Blair and that this area should be accessible to local residents and out-of-town visitors of all ages and physical abilities. Site improvements at CaliforniaBend should: -provide "easy to find" access to the site, -provide access within the site that encourages persons of ages and abilities to enjoy the site as their interests, time and physical abilities allow, -pmvide opportuniiies for all visitors to observe the backwater chute, adiacent wetlands and upland areas, -educate visitors about the value of wildlife habitat and California Bend's environmental restoration. -include any additional wildlife habitat novements that will enhance the site. al 4 . -be designed so that the California Bend site can Blair's city trail network to fully integate it into the city park system. From these goals, the desired site improvements and their characteristics were defined f ax inclusion. in the master pl.an: The major site intorovements include: -new parking on the northern edge of the Optimist Park parifin,r! lot that includes a trailh-ead structure with an area map, user information and rules and regulations. as well as a new pedestrian access gate, -a paved bike/hike - frail for fEamily and recreational riding along. the - ligmnent o f the existing:maintenance road through the site, -a series tar ov&riook: and stopping points along the trail that provide scenic vistas and highlight the area's natural beauty, -interpretive exhibits at three of the overlooks that explain California Bend's restoration, recreational us and natural resources, -benches periodically along the trail that provide stopping points Where visitors can rest and enjoy the scenery, -several accessible river bank fishing points connected to the main nail that include paved access walks leading to river-level paved plazas, -non-paved tails to river bank fishing points that allow safe and snccessfui fishing activities, and -perimeter planthags alang.the.site's nortL— edge to sore-en adjacent farm fields and provide additional wildife habitat. Future onnection to Cottouvvood Marina Area A desire to connect the City of Blair frail network_ with the Cottonwood Marina areas north of town was discussed during the master planninP.: process by the coatraittee and requested by local citizens during the public open houses, Property owners from the Cottonwood Marina area attended the publie open houses and council meeting to speak in favor of =tending the tail through California Bend to the Cottonwood area, The possibility of extending a new public road south stn the Cottonwood area to the northern edge of the California Bend site was also discussed to improve access to the northern pardon of the California Bend site for walk fishing and other recreation activities, A right-of-way corridor will need to be acquired through two private pro to complete this connection. Contact was made with each property o to inform them of this proposal and gain their initial comments. This connection was viewed by the citizen' s committee as a very desiroble but long-term portion of the overall master phri,. Master Plan Implementation - Costs Si, Funding An opinion of probable cumstruction costs was developed to determine the cost of implementing the =Stet plan Since detailed design was not part of the master planning process, certain assumptions regarding -construction materials and final design and were made as part of the costst opinion's preparation. A construction continee:ncy and ciesin fees were included in the cost opinion to cover unknown conditions, quantity overages and final design of the site improvements. •sts for specific portions of the project are: • All on-site development including paved tail North Connector Trail — site to Cottonwood area North Connector Road & Parking Proje-et Coristruotion & Design Costs (excluding land costs) $445,000 $365.000 $546,000 $1,355,000 The cost of aoquirinP land for the proposed north trail and road were not included in the project costs. The detailed analysis requited to determine this cost was beyond the scope of the master planning process. The cost of acquiring fee title to all or part of the 11 acres that the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District currently holds easements on also was not determined since it is the opinion of NRD staff that the current easements are written to allow the public access proposed in the master plan. Fimding to implement the master plan will most 'likely come from a number of sources_ The City of Blair and the Papio-IVfissouri River Natural Resources District could enter into a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly fund portions of the master plan- Federal and state transportation grants maybe available to fund design and construction of the site's trail so long as the trail meets program requirements. Local businesses and private donors could be tapped. to fund certain site improvements with the possibility of receiving naming rights as recognition of their generosity Further work by City start or a citizen's committee is needed to create a detailed analysis of funding sources to implement the master p13_. The site's Itia-quality restored natural areas, proximity to the Blair and public support expressed by the citizen's co_ - ee and public participation in the master plarrnirie process all contribute to making this aproject that should be attractive to - public and private funding sources. Completing this analysis is the first step in achieving the vision embodied in the Califbmia Bend Recreation and Habitat Master Plan. es 1004 • 'S P 1Uldtrf al4434 44341 41 thi ��s(iirt t�'Yh.zj ' 0l.I e • r:t :ir4tty,1, • X9, lapib 43 S T YM Y ' df 3 '414111,t11 il$ d;4 "veot1 ' 4AUUi 71U'0 tolY r nu4'6IN. N0i".51,6} .!':,4 J tt V 71 �GI(t,rybiy U7'U'.fd'SWd AVA4r0J1N astc,w >ita j3t1, 40 7110t+}'4.1Vratt'1V4�I1.1:4t]' �,-��ry 11 iY q1) +.� '� � ,�y S:7 . 1 G`'1<#a 'CP, X(<1, `,' f},1, M 11 } IC) i6PVegiAn $W• Vba. AkAA OA . 0111401 8 - I . ' 4 ,:„...0.0„*. c',44iroAA, 4 VII erakAA004406* + °�9'li.� „ � s �� d� °..r�d�� CITY . OF B'.R ��rrww�y��y ., IP SE OLD LIN 00 HIGHWAY TIC U. `�IiEC' „Sah'1 a I ~ a .L 0 July 21, 2006 Honorable Tim Realph. and City of Blair 218 South 16 Sfreet Blair, NE 68008 Blair Area Cfluncil RE: Optimist Bike Tr&1 Grant _Application Sincerely, = FiniTier Waite Exectthve Director Blair Area Chamber of Cimmeree Ore Fir air Race 1526 Washington Street ofC er Dear Mayor Realph and Council Members: The Blair Chamber of C,ommeree 1,voiLid like to submit this letter of support to the City of Blair for the propoaed Optimist Bike Ti a project funding application t.o the Nebraska Depart:neat of Road T ;Atoll Selection Ceirtmitree.. This proposed bike - trail is a - vital lipk. 0 the: Blair Trails Master Plan providins4access for pedestrians and bicyclist accesing recreational areas within the newly developed California Bend area along the west side of the Missouri RiVer,, The dec-relopment af the California Bend Recreational uea will be an eithanetment to the local economy b drawing people from around the area to the City of Blair. As saittearte who 'intera-c with hmiress leaders: in the cornmurdty, I an speak for them to encouraging you to support the Optimists Bike ma. RI-03=r., I believe this frail will beip Bkir lengthen its business commmth and make it a more atfractive place to live and work% Phone: 402-533-4455 Fax: 402-5=13-4456 • Erriari: bloircho-mbeaanf- RE: Bike Trail Honorable Mayor, 1 am writing this letter of support for the bike trail extension from Third and Jackson Steet east to the Optimist Park, on behalf of the Blair Community Schools. Besides providing a scenic rout for people to walk or ride bikes en the trail, the extension of the bike trail provides another safe walking alternative for students walking to and from the various school buildings to their residence. The Blair Community Schools supports the continued expansion of the trail in the City of Blain Sincerely, Dave Kasion, Assistant Superintendent Blair Community Schools 4262610 '--;- August 10. 20 Honorable Mayor James Realph 2532 Colege Drive Blair, NE 68008 MMUNITI SCHOOLS ,2 (IF - 7. - - -- :- , 4;92 . ti-,-ation c=Rextotition C-,-.7.74496-tz0 Riletua North Gema-af ;4tio f Coli Schools SENATOR MICK MMES Legislative Address: State Capitol PO Sox 94604 Lnccki. Nebraska 655119-4604 (402) 471-261a mrnines - Q , .!tinicarri.state.ne.us District 18 636 Hillcrest Drive Blair, NE 66008 July 24, 2006 Honorable Jim Realph City of Blair 218 South i6 Street Blair, NE 68008 RE Optimist Bike Trial Grant Dear Ma Please accpt tbis letter as my wholehewted sapport for the City of Blzir's grant application to the Nebraska Department of Roads Tmnsporintion Enhancement Conanrittee for fandin g of the proposed Optimist Me Trail project This is a critical element ofthe Blair Trails Mastrx Plan and will provide - vital recreational accitss for - the cis &Blair to the newly developed Cahlornia Bend area alonu the west side of the Missouri River. With the development of the California Bend area there is siil4 pressure to provide a safe and alternative access to the area The pmposed Optimist Bike trail will tie into the proposed Wk e trail system within the California Bend area and points north opening, a lame area fir airily recreation that will draw people to the c - of Blair from all around, COMMiTTEES Chair.aerson - Banking Corte 'arra ii1S Govarrtment. Military and Veterans Affair Mayor James Realph City of Blair 718 South le are t Blair, NE 6$00& ,z:C July, 2000 Re: Letter of Support — Transportation Eh Dear Mayor ReaIph, Very tuly your Marlin J. Petennann Acting General PAP !O ura We would like to concsr late you. and dre City Q.t. Blair on the pros you've,. made in developing the tails network throughout 3 City. This network is - well on its way to providing true transportation linkages and recreafional opportimities for the residents of Blair and a- mod 1 for other communities in and around the State. As yOu are well aware, the Distict is worlthig with Blair to assist in developing a unique trail System throUghout your community. This segment — based, upon Blair's niter plan for recreational development in the area and in particular at the Distict's California Bend site at Optimist Park — will soon provide your citizens and visitors to the area, as ss to a ardque, riverine experience., unsurpassed in the region. The District is cormitted to the completion of the, more than two himdred acre, California Bend project area as depicted in the California Bend Alaster Plan. Your Optimist tike Trail se.,-..mtent, once completed„ will complement the Dist development at California Band by providing access for all individuals to truly experience this Missouri River restoration site. In light of your frail planning and construction efforts, the Papio-Missouri. 'River Nantral Resources District is h fuJi and mill: miastic support of the City of Blair' s request for Transportaon Exahceraent Pro:al-am funds for tiie Optimist Bike Trail project liSS UR RIVER NATUR RESOURCES EHSTI 8901 8. 154TH ST, OMAHA, NE 68138-362i (402) 444-697 FAA' (402) g95-6543 www,papioard.org t T ANNENMIAJT E P HYSIC. THERAPY 5P7',RIF mmtcn-45. ACTAPY Dc!vid M. NI:Innen, RT. Kurth J, Kevin Airnquist, Pt, DPT Jennifer Ps-7 RT Anrcfn Ky, DT lapr Jim Realph City of Blair 218 South le Set Blair, NE 6800g Dear Myo Realph, July 25, 2006 Thank you once again for your and the City Council's efforts in continuing to work towards completing the trails system in Blair. Specifically 1 would hie to offer a few comments in favor of the next phase of the trails Foject, First, as the Chair of - the Blair Trails Committee, Thigbiy recommend pursuing any fimding options available to 00111inU0 fulfilling the master plan complend severa1 year ago., I have been involved in ali stages of the Blair TfailS Master PI= and can attest to the hard work and dedication of the other committee members, city staff and roost °fail, community rezidents. We are etdremely exited to see our efforts paying og as over 4 miles of trails are already in place. Secmdlv, as President of the newly formed Blair Bicycle Club, its excitin g to see more interest in cycling in general, as well as, knowing that the new trails continue to help build interest in the sport while providing safer avenues for cyclists earl ages and still as a 7-year member ofthe Blair Area Chamber of Commerew s Board of Directors, 1,11°w the Board supports the Trails Plan as a way to help boost our e%isting business community and encourage future economic development Lastly, as the Owner ofNannen & - kiarte Physical Therapy, I am con 'vinced that trails have a. very positive impact on the health and well being of our community, Trans provide safe and inviting recreational ses, including walkin' g, jogging and skatin well as bike riding They also help save money in the battle against rising g gas prices. Mayor ReAph, as you blow, the Blair Trails System has been cfaining 3110Mentillti the past few years. I hope and trust this next phase Will receive grant funds to continue that momentum and make the trails system in Blair a reality Thank you agthi for your help and consideration,. Ctc 4C2-42&-. FAX 402,426-35 a77-8 airt NE 4801 S T 6180 August 24, 2006 Re: Blair Trails System Ladies, and Gentlemen: , Blair, Net_lraska The H-onotable Mayor James Rea ion And Members of the City Council CiW Administiation Building ,718 South le Blair, Nebraska 68 am pleased to announce that the Blair Lions Club has aeeptd your invitation to sponsor yUr next phase in the; Blair Tra lis System, which Mil be from 3rd & Jaolison to the Missouri River.. The Club would Ike to install trail markers at 1/4 mile intervals on the new trail., Thank you for your consideration_ 1 \ L rttn Dennis Carson. Blair lions Club Member