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Resident urges West Des Moines to address years-long roadside vegetation and visibility problems
Summary
A West Des Moines resident told the council at the June 16 citizens forum that roadside mowing has not been performed regularly in portions of Green Branch Drive, Thornwood Road and South 30th Street since 2022, creating sight-line and safety concerns; council asked Public Services to inspect the areas.
Fred Bell, a West Des Moines resident, told the City Council on June 16 that parts of Green Branch Drive, Thornwood Road and South 30th Street have not received regular mowing since 2022, and that overgrown vegetation has obscured driveways and traffic signs. Bell said he submitted letters to the director of public services and provided photographs showing vegetation at or exceeding the height of an 18-inch safety cone and sight-line obstructions on roads that are narrow in places.
Mayor Trimble and council members acknowledged the complaint and asked Public Services to drive through and inspect the areas Bell identified. The mayor said the city would have staff "come take a look and kinda drive through that area" and asked residents to report safety concerns so they can be addressed. Fred Bell said he had received written acknowledgments of his prior complaints but no substantive repairs.
Council did not vote on the matter; the meeting record shows the city will dispatch Public Services staff to review the road segments Bell named and follow up with the resident.
