Resident says contracted sheep grazing not working behind Stansbury Lane; public works to follow up

During the public comment period a resident who lives off Stansbury Lane described ongoing problems with a sheep‑grazing contract on a field that abuts Scott Layman Elementary School.

The resident said shepherds trimmed only pond edges and then allowed sheep to trample the remainder of the grass rather than consume weeds, leaving long years of uncut grass in other areas. The resident said this has persisted for three summers and that she has video evidence showing inadequate grazing. She also reported dead sheep carcasses were moved beneath oak trees and covered with weeds, creating a concern because children play in the field. Separately, she reported repeated minibike activity in the field and said one access path lacks signage prohibiting motorized vehicles; she said police cannot reliably catch riders when they call.

Public Works Director Matthew Medell took the resident’s contact information at the meeting and pledged the department would follow up. The city clerk said staff would contact the resident the next day.

Why it matters: field maintenance, contract compliance and public safety near a school site were raised as ongoing problems; the city has responsibility for contract oversight and public‑safety response in parklands.

What was decided: no formal council action; Public Works staff committed to follow up directly with the resident and investigate contract scope, signage issues and enforcement options.

Next steps: Public Works will contact the resident, review the grazing contractor’s scope of work and maintenance records, inspect the field for carcass removal compliance and evaluate signage and enforcement options for motorized vehicles.