Residents press Meridian on tree maintenance, drainage and abandoned properties; city re-advertises urban forester position

Several Meridian residents used the public-comment period and the mayor's report to press the council for faster responses to tree hazards, recurring drainage problems that residents say are eroding private property, and abandoned homes that pose fire and safety risks.

At the meeting a resident, Jeanette Jamieson, described a drainage ditch near her property at 380240 Third Street (between 40 Third and 40 Fourth; as stated aloud) and said it has been a long-running issue dating to 2003. "It is a health hazard, and it's washing away my property ... snakes are beginning to come up on my property," Jamieson said. City staff directed Jamieson to provide the address and said Public Works would follow up; a council member asked staff to take the contact information and pursue a site visit.

Council and staff also discussed tree limbs and failures across the city. Staff said the city is re-advertising for an urban…