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Council reaffirms 2025 ordinance: city will not mow private easements; police to enforce complaints
Summary
Council members reiterated that a city ordinance approved Oct. 13, 2025 prevents the city from mowing right-of-ways unless the city owns the easement; the police department described a complaint-and-letter enforcement process and potential citations.
Residents raised concerns about tall grass and mowing on easements along Route 4 and 50 and elsewhere. City staff and the police chief told the council the city reaffirmed a previously approved ordinance and will not routinely cut easements unless the city is the property owner.
"On October 13, 2025, the city council voted on it, passed, an ordinance that the right of ways are not to be cut by the city," a staff speaker said during the meeting. The police chief explained the enforcement flow: officers or staff first attempt phone contact with the property owner; if unresolved, the city sends a letter, and if the problem persists, officials may issue citations.
Council members noted that, where the state owns an easement, the state would be responsible for maintenance; public-works and police staff said they have been sending letters and following up where violations exist. City staff advised residents to call the police department to report high weeds or grass so staff can initiate the enforcement process.
The council did not propose reversing the ordinance at the meeting; rather, members said they had reaffirmed the existing policy and outlined the enforcement procedure for citizens.
