Residents press council over downtown waterfall repairs and who will pay

Several residents raised the unfinished downtown waterfall as a recurring concern during public comment, asking whether the city will use public funds or require the original contractors to pay for repairs. Donna Work and other residents said they expected the companies that installed the feature to accept responsibility rather than the city covering costs.

"Not a penny of money from the city's coffers should go to fixing that waterfall. It should be those two companies," Donna Work said. Residents requested a formal resolution or written policy so future projects and repairs are subject to clear oversight and a council vote.

Council members acknowledged the issue, said staff are investigating the history and prior approvals, and described steps needed for a repair: engineering to stabilize a hillside near a high-pressure gas line, competitive bids, and appropriate permitting. The mayor said a contractor who built the waterfall previously has offered free labor but that stabilization, bids and funding would still be required.

Council emphasized it would review legal options to pursue responsible parties if appropriate, but said findings would take time. No formal action or budget appropriation was taken at the meeting; council said it would keep the item on the unfinished-business list for follow up.