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Council hears plan to outsource hay cutting; residents raise concerns about spray-field runoff and road wear
Summary
Staff described a proposed administrative contract with Diamond P. Cattle Company (Chris Peters) to cut city hay fields and remove material; staff said chemical use would avoid glyphosate (Roundup) and include nitrogen testing, while residents expressed worry about run-off into nearby ponds and equipment damage to local roads.
City staff presented an administrative proposal to contract with Diamond P. Cattle Company (operator Chris Peters) to cut and remove hay from city-owned fields. Staff said the contract is similar to the prior vendor arrangement and would be handled administratively rather than as a council-level contract.
Staff described safeguards: the contractor will use herbicides that staff said are compatible with the sewer site’s requirements and will avoid glyphosate (Roundup); the vendor will provide nitrogen analysis of hay so any hay used as cattle feed does not create a livestock issue; and the contractor will bring his own equipment and be responsible for operations.
Councilmembers discussed whether to convert the administrative arrangement into a formal contract after past disputes over hay-cutting arrangements. Some council members requested a formal council endorsement to reduce the risk of future complaints; others said the city administrator is authorized to handle routine agreements administratively.
Residents raised concerns about the proposed contractor using heavy equipment on Forrester/Forest Cemetery Road and the potential for increased runoff into nearby ponds and the sewer spray-field area. City staff said they had inspected the site with the vendor, relayed known spray-head locations, and heard the contractor’s assurance that he would leave roads in the same or better condition. Staff said they will monitor operations and, if hazardous conditions arise, will require outside qualified contractors for cleanup rather than use city employees.
Council members expressed general support for allowing the city administrator to finalize an administrative agreement but asked staff to document insurance, equipment, and site-protection measures before work proceeds.
