Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stormwater topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Perry agrees to take ownership of Greystone subdivision pond as green space
Summary
After months of discussion and a public comment from the Greystone HOA president, Perry City Council voted unanimously Oct. 7 to accept ownership of the Greystone stormwater pond area as green space with limited maintenance for stormwater structure access.
PERRY — Perry City Council voted unanimously on Oct. 7 to accept ownership of the Greystone subdivision’s former pond area and designate it as city green space, administration told the council this would provide maintenance access for stormwater structures and help the city meet MS4 permit responsibilities.
Acting city manager Mr. Smith told council staff recommended the city take ownership because public stormwater feeds the area, and the city required construction of the original pond as part of subdivision development. He described the area as functionally "a glorified ditch" now that runoff is conveyed to a regional pond and said limited maintenance — likely twice a year — will be needed so inspectors can access stormwater structures.
James Aston, president of the Greystone HOA, addressed the council during public comment and urged the city to assume ownership. "We truly…we don't want to increase…we want to decrease if possible and to take that over — the liabilities would be a significant burden especially since some of our people are on fixed incomes," he said. Aston also requested inlet and outlet grates to prevent small children or pets from entering the structures.
Why it matters: Council and staff said accepting ownership reduces uncertainty for homeowners and places maintenance responsibility with the city rather than the HOA. Staff will work with the city attorney to clarify property boundaries and acceptance terms before final transfer.
Council direction and implementation: The administration recommended planting trees to discourage invasive undergrowth and to perform targeted clearing to enable stormwater structure inspection and maintenance. The council approved the recommendation and directed staff to resolve property‑line and acceptance details with the city attorney.
Next steps: Public works will define a maintenance schedule and coordinate with the HOA on boundary clarifications and any safety measures (for example, inlet grates) requested by residents. The council recorded the acquisition and the green‑space designation Oct. 7.
