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Council refers draft parks herbicide policy to Sustainability Committee after council concerns about glyphosate
Summary
Staff proposed a draft parks policy restricting herbicide use to targeted, low‑human contact areas and banning application on turf and active recreation. Several council members raised health and persistence concerns (notably about glyphosate in sand infields and downtown planters) and asked for alternatives and expert input; council voted to remit the draft to the Sustainability Committee for a recommendation.
City staff presented a draft Parks, Building & Grounds Herbicide and Pesticide Policy that would prohibit herbicide and pesticide application in turf, active recreation areas and naturalized park zones while permitting targeted spot treatments in mulched tree rings, gravel storage areas and select planter beds under strict BMPs.
"We're killing weeds with our chemicals," Planning & Community Development Director Jason Welker said, explaining staff intended the policy to limit use to low‑human contact areas and to require setbacks from waterways and other best management practices.
Council members pushed back on specific allowed uses, particularly treating weeds in sand infields and downtown planter beds. Councilwoman Pam Duket said she was concerned that players slide into bases and that certain glyphosate‑containing products can persist in soil and water. "I would like to see the city not use any herbicides," she said, urging mechanical alternatives and volunteer efforts for weed removal.
Other council members asked staff to investigate less toxic alternatives, the manpower and cost of manual removal, and to consult outside experts. Several members favored pausing formal adoption until additional analysis is provided. The council moved and voted to remit the draft policy to the Sustainability Committee for further review and recommendation, asking staff to provide comparative options, expert input and an assessment of cost and operational impacts.
Staff said the festival operator would be required to adhere to the same policy if adopted and that the policy aims to standardize current conservative park practices.
The Sustainability Committee will report back with recommendations before the council considers final adoption.
