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Residents press council over proposed cemetery-area bike path; concerns about privacy, flooding and storage
Summary
City staff described a proposed reroute of the cemetery bike path tied to golf course and cemetery master‑plan work; dozens of residents urged alternate routing or a larger buffer citing privacy, stormwater and playground proximity; staff said about 460–470 graves are available and a planning/design request is in next year's budget with potential development in roughly three years.
City staff presented a proposed relocation of a bike path near the cemetery that would move trail users closer to several residential backyards as part of cemetery master‑planning related to golf course improvements.
"We have around 460 to 470 graves available," Kevin (staff) told the council while explaining the need to develop the west area; Joe Schrader, public works director, said the move would reduce pedestrian‑equipment conflicts and place material storage inside tree cover.
Residents urged the council to consider alternate routings and larger buffers. "We just don't want a bike path right behind our house," Ron Freeman said, asking residents to show their opposition at the meeting. Several speakers described loss of privacy and asked for a 50‑foot buffer; one resident said at one location the path would be as close as about 18 feet from a house and expressed frustration with not receiving earlier notice of the plan.
Flooding and storm‑sewer concerns were also raised. Chris Rudderath said water rose within 20–24 feet of his house during a 2019 event and expressed worry that a raised path and piles of fill could worsen yard flooding. Another resident said the playground location made nearby storage of dirt and wood piles a poor choice.
Staff acknowledged the concerns, said a design exists that can be revised, and noted that the cemetery planning/design funding will be requested in next year’s budget; staff estimated a plan could be in place next year with development within about three years.
Council members asked staff to consider alternate alignments, planting trees for screening, and an "option B" routing that would keep more of the path through tree cover. No formal vote or final alignment was decided at the meeting; staff said they will continue design work and take resident input into account.
