03-13-2013Minutes, Blair Park Board Meeting
March 13, 2013
Roll Call
Members of the Blair Park Board met at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, in the City Council
Chambers. Members present: Jeene Hobbs, vice president; Ann George, secretary; Ardee
Pounds, Steve Tonn. Blair Park Department: Pat Long. Not present: Neil Jensen, Roger
Petersen.
Also present: Clark Jensen.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the November 14, 2012, meeting were approved as submitted.
Approval of Bills
There were no bills needing approval.
Old Business
Discussion of City Council retreat. Pat Long reported that the City Council has asked for an
appraisal of the baseball and softball fields on the Dana College campus for a possible purchase
by the city.
New Business
Election of officers. Ardee Pounds moved that the officers who served in 2012 be re- elected,
and Steve Tonn seconded her motion, which was carried. Officers serving in 2013 will be
President, Neil Jensen; Vice President, Jeene Hobbs; and Secretary, Ann George.
Discussion of Arbor Day celebration at Ridgeview Park, April 25, 1:30 p.m. Pat Long told Board
members that Black Hills Energy had given a $500 grant for the purchase of four trees to be
planted on Arbor Day. Company representatives will dig the holes and help 21 children from
the second grade at North School plant the trees. Mayor Realph and a Black Hills representative
will speak. Black Hills Energy will give the children frisbees, and Neil Jensen will give them young
trees to take home. The four trees selected for planting this year are: two Prairie Fire crabs, a
ginkgo, and a Prairie Horizon Manchurian alder. The practice of placing a plaque with the
children's names at the trees they've planted will continue.
Discussion with Clark Jensen on future haying at Black Elk- Neihardt Park. After Board members
heard Clark Jensen's proposal and his answers to several questions, Steve Tonn moved that
"We permit Clark Jensen to clean up brush and weed trees in specified areas at Black Elk -
Neihardt Park for two years with a possible extension." Ardee Pounds seconded his motion,
which was carried. (Jensen will do this at no charge to the city.)
Next meeting of Friends of the Arboretum. This meeting is set for March 20.
Discussion of trails plans in parks. Pat Long said that work will resume on the trail in Lions Park
"as soon as things dry up," and that work this summer will focus on completing the trail to the
east side of Fish Creek. Jeene Hobbs said that she plans to talk to Dr. and Mrs. Bagby for
information about how to apply for a grant from the Union Pacific for railroad - related
playground equipment for Lions Park. Pat Long also reported that he is working on the
proposed master plan for all of the city parks.
The Board will next meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, in the City Council Chambers.
Ardee Pounds made a motion to adjourn was seconded by Steve Tonn and carried.
Respectfully submitted, Ann George, Secretary