Council: remove playground, replace deteriorated fence after erosion risk at McMinn Park; residents complain about notice timing

City Engineer Parker warned the Mentor on the Lake City Council at its April meeting that erosion undercuts soil near the playground at McMinn Park and is “now getting very close to the playground.” He said the city will shore the slope, write a letter with photos and coordinate with contractors to stabilize the site.

City Engineer Parker said two utilities will need relocation and crews are mobilizing for a top-line drainage project; he said bracing may be required for nearby poles during work. He recommended removing the playground equipment while the erosion is addressed, saying: “We don't want anybody to go over the edge. So we'll take it down.” Council members and staff said that work would be scheduled and that tree removal and fence repair would follow the engineer's assessment.

The discussion moved into public comment after staff reports. Several Springwood Drive residents said they received a city notice about fence removal and tree work on a Friday and felt blindsided. Resident Amy asked, “Are the trees coming down first?” and sought an approximate timeline for when a temporary fence could be installed. Diane Spazell, who said she has lived on Springwood Drive for 40 years, told council the fence has been in place “longer than 25 years” and asked why replacements had not been scheduled earlier.

Staff provided specifics residents had asked for: one speaker who inspected the site reported a field count of “5 posts and 3 panels on the residential side and 4 panels and 7 posts on the apartment side” and said several panels are missing or cracked. City staff said five trees in the park will be removed by the service department after evaluation by contracted tree professionals and that staff will test the remaining trees and recommend removal where necessary.

Council members acknowledged the timing problem raised by residents and apologized for communication gaps. Council Member Lunder said the city would identify funds for the replacement, and a council member told residents plainly, “We will find the money.” Officials described the funding source as not specified at the meeting; council asked administration to return with an estimated schedule and cost for full replacement versus piecemeal repairs.

Administration guidance for residents: the city advised homeowners to contact City Supervisor Snyder before installing any private temporary fencing adjacent to the city fence so staff can assess property lines and avoid rework or conflicts. Staff said a permit or survey may be recommended in some cases; whether a permit is required was described as dependent on the property line determination and was not specified further.

The city also addressed public-safety follow-up: staff said tree-removal contractors will advise on pest-control steps if insects or other hazards are found, and the parks department will consider temporary closures of affected park entrances while crews work. No formal council vote was recorded on park remediation at the meeting; staff described the plans as direction to administer the work and return with estimates and a schedule.

Residents may expect further public notices and an update at the next council meeting.