Revised November 17th, 2023
Note: This content has been archived and may no longer be accurate or relevent
Update 9.19.23: Progress has been made on the Cathcart Playground Freeman Park volleyball court. See photos above.
9.1.23: Invasive plant species and EAB (Emerald Ash Borer) are flourishing on City property.
In December 2021 a resident alerted the Council that it had approved payments for harmful chemicals to control invasive plants in the Parks. This contradicted the Bee Safe Resolution* of 2014.
Since learning that the policy was not being followed, the Council has had vigorous debates about IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and the wording of the Resolution.
The result has been $6,000 in consultant expenditures to analyze the problem and develop a plan, plus additional funds in the budget for annual management.
Timeline:
2014: “Bee Safe Resolution” #14-066* was innovative in its approach to managing noxious species with less chemicals.
12.13.21: Resident Larson informed the Council (Item #2) of its regular approval of payments for chemical applications in the parks-contrary to the Resolution.
1.24.22: Council Work Session:
“[CM Gorham] stated that the Council did not know any of this was going on and are now being asked for help because there is a realization that the City cannot comply with its own policy. He stated that he would echo a bit of what was stated … that this appears to be seven years of the City not trying all that hard. He stated that the residents have come in with some ideas that can be pursued, but he does not see the Public Works Department compromising in this situation. He stated that he just sees a lot of pesticide usage and a lot of mea culpa statements, but not a lot of effort of trying to comply with the resolution.” (1.24.22 work session minutes)
2.28.22: Shorewood approved the IPM Institute of North America (start at page 190) to audit the city’s landscape maintenance practices, assess for compliance with the 2014 Bee Safe resolution and create an Integrated Pest Management Plan.
Summer 2022: Staff members said requests from sports teams for safer fields, mat have resulted in the use of chemicals, contrary to the Resolution.
12.12.22: Work session (start at p. 2) and Council meeting (start at p. 151) discussing results of IPM Institute report.
4.7.23: Council accepts draft IPM plan.
4.17.23: Open House held (bottom of p. 73), approximately 14 people attended.
4.24.23: Report to Council on Open House, agreement on moving forward and Council agrees to budget for IPM in 2023.
Fall 2023: Reporting on City IPM implementation progress during summer 2023 and expenditures: None.
Watch for continuing updates.
Does the City comply with its nuisance ordinance regarding weeds?
*A resolution is not a law or ordinance. It is a formal statement of opinion or a decision to take an action.
Not spraying weeds does not prevent the city from mowing them or pulling them. If you pull a weed or mow it before it seeds it will not create new weeds. If you wait until after it seeds (like all of the thistle in the Country Club Development) we will enjoy many more invasive plants! A simple weed whip along Smithtown Road trail would take care of the weeds in the crack along the sidewalk. It’s simple horticulture.