Residents thank city for ash-borer grant, ask Parks Committee to consider no‑swimming signs after river drowning

A resident thanked city staff for a grant that paid to remove emerald ash borer‑infested trees from private property and praised the contractor, and another caller asked the Parks and Recreation Committee to install no‑swimming signage along the Wisconsin River after a 16‑year‑old drowned, committee members heard Monday.

Jamie, Parks and Recreation staff, read an email the city received from “a resident on North Fourteenth Avenue” reporting that their trees were removed under a grant and that they were “very impressed with the crew of Foley’s Tree Service” and grateful the grant made the work affordable. Jamie characterized the message as positive public feedback for the city’s tree‑removal assistance.

Jamie also relayed an email and social‑media attention asking the city to install one or more no‑swimming signs along the riverwalk area after a drowning. Jamie said the incident remains under review and that the city attorney will prepare a report on "recreational immunity," liabilities related to signage and buoy placement, and options relating to docks. The staff report will be brought back to the committee when more information is available, Jamie said.

Why it matters: Committee members said they want a formal legal and operational review before making policy changes. Jamie told the committee the city attorney will outline what the city may be liable for and what protections or obligations exist under the law; the committee will consider the attorney’s guidance at a future meeting.

Committee context: The committee did not take action on signage Monday. Jamie said staff will respond to the resident who emailed and will return to the committee with legal guidance and options for signage, buoys or dock policy once the investigation and legal review are complete.

The meeting also included routine business and project updates; the committee noted the public comment items for follow up.