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Staff updates: parks restrooms, seasonal hires, Riverwalk Park study and cemetery pedestrian improvements discussed
Summary
City staff updated the council on park restrooms opening, a push to improve park cleanliness, hiring seasonal staff (including a proposed third three-month hire funded by the water fund), Riverwalk Park master-plan and wetlands study progress, and cemetery and sidewalk/curb ramp work.
City staff provided a series of operational updates and answered council questions on parks, hiring, Riverwalk Park planning and cemetery sidewalk/curb-ramp work.
Staff said park restrooms are open for the summer season and the city will run a public outreach push encouraging residents to pick up pet waste and dispose of it in trash receptacles. Public Works reported it planned to hire two usual seasonal staff positions for parks and streets and that the water fund could support an additional three-month seasonal hire to accelerate water meter conversions (staff said about 560 conversions remain). Staff noted previous success hiring a high-school seasonal worker and discussed staggering start times to align with school schedules.
On Riverwalk Park, staff said environmental specialists completed a wetlands synopsis and provided findings to the lead consultant (Bear Group), which returned conceptual master-plan updates. That plan is being reviewed for wetland impact and mitigation needs; staff said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) review and permitting is expected to take at least a year after submission and that gravel extraction will continue for roughly two more years before full remediation and park construction can begin.
Staff also updated the council on sidewalk and curb ramp work near South Cemetery Road and near a pedestrian crossing northwest of the school, and noted a contractor-related hiccup where a utility contractor placed guidewire in a crosswalk; staff said the contractor was being asked to move it so the project could proceed. Questions from a council member and public comment from resident Don Reynolds touched on roundabout landscaping and flower maintenance; Reynolds suggested low-maintenance shrubbery and noted volunteers would help with park work.
Staff also confirmed two contractor quotes for restroom repair totaling roughly $11,000 would be on the next council agenda and that insurance (drivers) would cover the repairs; scheduling would follow council approval.
