Residents urge action on drainage and park improvements during public comment

Two residents spoke during the public-comment period at the Feb. 20 council meeting, pressing the council for neighborhood-level fixes.

Judy Montgomery of 2510 LaVere described persistent stormwater runoff that has created a deep hole at her driveway and eroded her and her neighbor's yards in Simon Heights. "When you pull into my driveway, there's a deep hole now where I'm afraid that if someone comes to visit me at night and don't realize that deep hole there, they would break their leg or ankle," Montgomery said, and asked the city to re-inspect the site and determine where a drain can be placed.

Michelle Cox, president of the Parks Advocacy League, outlined the nonprofit's accomplishments over the past decade — including work at Temple Park, Maroney Park, McCrimmon Park and other facilities — and urged the council to make the playground at McCrimmon Park a priority this year. Cox said the Parks Advocacy League organized fundraisers and volunteer work to support park improvements and celebrated the city's recent playground installations across multiple parks.

Council response: The chair acknowledged both speakers and told Montgomery that city staff in the audience would be in touch to follow up; no formal vote or directive was made on either item during the meeting.

Next steps: City staff indicated they would contact Montgomery about inspecting the drainage issue; the Parks Advocacy League's request was recorded for council and staff consideration during parks and bond planning.