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Neighbors, school and council ask questions about Garfield Elementary pollinator project and tall-grass code
Summary
Council members and residents raised concerns about a school-led pollinator/wildflower project at Garfield Elementary after contractors sprayed a field; the committee urged a neighborhood meeting, said staff will check zoning and tall-grass code implications, and recommended city oversight before large plantings proceed.
A council member raised resident complaints about a Garfield Elementary project led by Coach Karns that proposes seeding a roughly four-acre area with wildflowers intended as a pollinator garden. The project, which the school district and Coach Karns have discussed with the city, prompted concern when residents saw a contractor spraying the field and feared uncontrolled tall weeds or wildlife habitat near homes.
Members said the school principal or district staff had previously sought city blessing, but some neighbors reported surprise that work had begun. Committee members suggested attending the school'hosted meeting the next evening so residents could hear project plans and voice concerns; they also asked the safety and zoning staff to review whether the proposed plantings would violate local tall-weeds or nuisance codes or require a special permit.
Speakers noted potential collateral issues: the planting might attract rabbits and coyotes, buffering and maintenance plans were unclear, and the precise zoning for the parcel (formerly agricultural land incorporated when the school was built) needed verification. One member suggested zoning or a city planning-initiated map amendment might provide a clearer long-term solution for that corridor. The committee did not enact prohibitions but encouraged staff to look into zoning, enforceability under city code, and neighbor communication before the school proceeds further.
