05-14-2014Blair Park Board Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2014
Roll Call
Members of the Blair Park Board met at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at the Blair City
Council Chambers. Present were Ardee Pounds, Jeene Hobbs, vice chairperson; Roger Petersen,
Neil Jensen, chairperson; Steve Tonn, secretary; Pat Long, Parks Department Superintendent;
and Laura Willey, Memorial Community Hospital (MCH) Community Development
Coordinator.
Ardee Pounds moved that we approve the minutes as printed. Roger Petersen seconded the
motion. Motion passed.
Old Business
Pat Long gave a recap of the Arbor Day Celebration planting at Vet's Field. Steve Tonn
commented on the excellent tree activity that Neil Jensen taught to the students. Pat Long said
that the Linden trees planted by the students will be replaced with the correct English oak trees.
Pat Long reported that some of the playground equipment has arrived and that the lighting work
at Black Elk- Neihardt Park is complete and the replacing keys and doors has been done.
New Business
Laura Willey, MCH, shared with the Board that the Hospital Foundation had received a donation
and the invested funds have gained additional funds for use in community projects with a health
related focus. She discussed the possibility of using these funds for outdoor workout equipment
and benches along the trail system in Blair. The Board also discussed the possibility of adding
workout equipment in the parks. Ms. Willey said there is not a timetable for using the funds but
hopefully sooner rather than later. Jeene Hobbs suggested that this idea be included in the
discussion and preparation of the Parks Master Plan. Papillion had included workout equipment
in their parks. Benches along the trails would be an easy way to initiate the use of the funds.
The use of any funds would need to be approved by the Hospital Foundation Board, Roger
Petersen moved that we pursue the idea of working with the MCH Foundation on workout
equipment and benches to be included in the parks and trail system. Ardee Pounds seconded the
motion. Motion carried. The Board encouraged MCH to make known their ideas during the
Parks Master Planning Process.
Pat Long reviewed the budget and expenditures. He clarified some of the budget item balances
and pointed out some corrections to specific balances.
Steve Tonn reported that Natalie Christensen declined the invitation to join the Park Board. But
she asked to be kept in mind for future openings on the board. We are still looking for someone
to fill Ann George's position on the board.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Steve Tonn, secretary