HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.24.2002 (2)• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
June 24, 2002
3:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
Mayor Pro Tem Harold Getty called the meeting to order at 4:55 p.m.
Members present: Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Jordan, Getty, Hurley.
Members absent: Berry.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Greenwood that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Five. Absent: Berry, Hurley. Motion carried.
The request of Steve Mager, 1722 E. Ridgeway Avenue, for a variance to the Weed Ordinance to
allow for growth of natural grass to exceed the height of 12 inches was reviewed. Mr. Mager
explained that he is requesting a variance to Weed Ordinance which allows a property owner to
apply to the council to designate appropriate areas as natural grass or prairie areas. Growths in
designated natural grass or prairie areas shall be permitted to exceed 12 inches in height.
Hurley now present at 4:57 p.m.
Mr. Mager stated he has designed the back half of the large double lot at 1722 E. Ridgeway
Avenue to allow the grass and clover to grow in a natural way as a wildlife area and bird
sanctuary. The natural area abuts a heavily forested woodland, rich in wildlife. There are no
noxious weeds but clover and grasses which have been allowed to grow to approximately 24
inches. The grassy area is enclosed by a circular mowed path which separates the tall grass from
the property lines. This path is kept mowed and is approximately 5 feet wide. The area contains
no noxious weeds and is over 100 feet from the street. The front 140 feet of lawn is mowed in
the customary fashion of the neighborhood. Tall flowering wild flowers have been installed
along the property line fence to the east expressly for the purpose of allowing his neighbor more
privacy and obscuring the wildlife planting from his view. The neighbor to the west has a dense
growth of grapevines along the fence which separates the properties. Mr. Mager reported he has
spoken to both neighbors about the natural landscaping project. The easterly neighbor at first
objected and then said he was planning to build a privacy fence later in the year. The westerly
neighbor did not express any complaint about the natural grass.
Mr. Mager explained that natural landscaping, though relatively new in Iowa, is a growing trend
and widely acclaimed practice, and is strongly encouraged by the United States Environmental
Protection Agency. Many cities have found that changing their weed codes to encourage this
new trend has brought positive changes to their communities. Natural landscaping creates better
habitat for beneficial wildlife and decreases pollution while lowering the costs of upkeep and
high water use required of turf grass. Mr. Mager stated he would be happy to offer his yard as an
experiment in the urban use of natural landscaping in residential yards.
Moved by Hurley, seconded by Clark that the request of Steve Mager, 1722 E. Ridgeway
Avenue, for a variance to the Weed Ordinance to allow growth of natural grass be placed on the
council agenda of July 1, 2002, and that the city accept Mr. Mager's offer to use his yard as an
experiment. Ayes: Six. Absent: Berry. Motion carried.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Welper, seconded by Jordan that
the meeting be adjourned at 5:04 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Berry. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk