Council tables bid authorization for Bluff-area drainage work after residents raise concerns over tree removal at Van Buskirk Park

Brandon City Council on a motion voted to table authorization to bid on the Bluff Area Drainage Improvements, including work at Van Buskirk Park, after residents pressed the council for more notice and details about tree removal, permitting and construction timing.

Residents who live adjacent to the park told the council they were surprised to learn the project plan calls for clearing many trees inside the park and the channel. Todd Tagitz, who said he lives in The Bluffs neighborhood, said neighbors “have not really had an opportunity to give any input” and asked the council to delay the work. Aaron Schneider said the trees along Heritage provide the only privacy for nearby homes and asked for more discussion rather than a quick construction plan. Roger Elk, who said he is a research geographer and longtime U.S. Geological Survey employee, said historic USGS topographic maps show the waterways as streams and asked whether…