Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council orders annual weed abatement; fire department emphasizes fuel‑break strategy and goats for management
Summary
The council adopted a resolution ordering removal of weeds and overgrowth as part of its annual weed‑abatement program. Fire and parks staff described prioritization of 30‑foot fuel breaks, timing to align with dead grass and use of contractors, staff and goats to manage vegetation; unpaid invoices may be forwarded to the county tax collector.
Fire Chief Ryan Herrian and Fire Division Chief Jordan Paul presented the city’s annual weed‑abatement program, explaining the department identifies vacant or undeveloped parcels, notifies property owners to abate weeds, and, when owners do not act, has city contractors perform abatement and forwards unpaid invoices to the county tax collector for collection.
Paul said staff prioritize 30‑foot fuel breaks on city and private parcels, attempt to time abatement with seasonal dieback of grasses, and use a mix of city staff, contractors and, where appropriate, goat herds to manage vegetation. He said the goal is to complete abatement by July 1, before peak fire season.
During public comment, Jennifer Chapman urged more attention to creek vegetation—particularly Kirby Creek—where private‑land obstructions create flood hazards as well as vegetation concerns; staff said creek vegetation management falls under different authorities and the abatement program presented focused on fire hazard management.
Council adopted a resolution ordering removal of weeds, rubbish and other growth and overruling any objections, enabling abatement activity to proceed according to the program described by staff.
