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Council presses staff after confusion over new right‑of‑way mowing ordinance; city spent $45,000 on remediation
Summary
Staff said a June 1 ordinance change triggered implementation confusion; parks and contractor remediation after heavy rain cost about $45,000 and staff estimates fully resuming citywide mowing would cost roughly $300,000. Council asked for maps, clearer communication and stepped‑up enforcement.
City staff and council devoted significant discussion to implementation problems after a June 1 change to the right‑of‑way mowing ordinance. Parks and Recreation staff said unusual heavy rains led to rapid overgrowth on main corridors; a two‑phase response used parks staff and a contractor to remediate visible corridors at an initial cost of about $45,000.
Neighborhood Services staff described the typical enforcement process: complaint or proactive observation, a notice of violation with at least ten days to comply, and progression to the citation and abatement process if property owners do not respond. The presentation said about 56 properties were identified as in violation and staff had issued notices to roughly 44 property owners. "When the city decides to abate these properties... it could lead you to about 30 to 45 days," Neighborhood Services said, noting the growth continues during the enforcement timeline.
Council members pressed staff on implementation and communication to homeowners associations that had long expected the city to mow certain right‑of‑way areas. Several members said the rollout had been confusing and asked for maps showing which areas staff will continue to maintain. Staff advised the council they recommend holding the ordinance as passed and doubling down on enforcement and targeted mowing of inaccessible areas (behind fences or sound walls) rather than returning the city to full pre‑ordinance mowing levels.
