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Neighbor urges action at Tequila Landing Park; council requests cleanup history
Summary
A neighbor criticized city stewardship at Tequila Landing Park, citing invasive ivy, trash and a longstanding homeless camp; Councilor McLeod asked staff to report on past cleanup activity and future plans, and staff said Parks has spent portions of an $80,000 camp-cleanup allocation.
During public comment at the Jan. 14 meeting, Peter Kenege, a neighbor whose property abuts the north end of Tequila Landing Park, said he submitted photos and video showing overgrown ivy and a homeless encampment on city-owned land and accused the city of failing to be a good steward of the property. "The city has done nothing to be good stewards of that land," Kenege said, adding the ivy had spread onto his property and that the city's inaction was "costing me money." He described the conditions as "appalling" and invited Mayor Johnson to visit the site.
Following public comment, Councilor McLeod requested a staff report on the history of cleanup activities at Tequila Landing Park, past invasive-weed removal, and planned future work. Multiple councilors supported the request and noted parks staffing and budget constraints.
City staff said Parks has previously conducted cleanups at the site and reported that of an $80,000 camp-cleanup allocation in the last budget cycle, staff has used "over 37,000" and that one December campsite cleanup cost $16,000. Staff said they will provide a historical summary of cleanups and options to address recurring encampments.
Council members who spoke encouraged staff to return with a report and to consider strategies to prevent reoccupation of cleared sites. The council did not take immediate action beyond requesting the report.
