SAC CITY, IOWA – JULY 26, 2010
Dr. Youberg appeared before the Sac City Council to opine that the amount of mowing that is being performed around town is “Overload”.
Said Youberg, “We spend money for labor, wear and tear on the mower, diesel or fuel, and we spend that many times during the summer, and it could just as well have not been mowed.”
(Click image to enlarge)
Youberg presented the above photos to the council and pointed out the mowing that is done all the way up the hill, (second row, first photo) while making the point that it is not only wasteful, but that there used to be wildflowers that grew in that area, (which he prefers).
He also seemed to suggest laziness on the part of city staff when he said the following, “…and I think if the city council and the administrator would look around town I think you’ll see other examples, but I’m not certain of this, I haven’t done a study or anything or anything, [but] I think you’ll see other examples of whoever runs that mower just runs it, probably, to keep the city boss from giving him something harder to do. He just mows, mows, mows.”
He continued the critique pointing out that in the couple of weeks previous to the council meet, the lawn mower operator had mowed down the raspberries featured in the photo in the third row, third photo. According to Youberg “Many people,” including himself pick those raspberries.
“It’s insane. There’s just no reason for it.” Said Youberg,” I’m not worried about the raspberries… they can mow and make grass for four feet, the raspberries will be back there and they’ll be fine, but… there’s just… the whole thing, you can sum it up, I’m just saying, you’re mowing too much, you can save a little money if you put your minds to it you can save some money. Maybe you can even save one employee, I don’t know.”
Dr. Youberg went on to give a presentation about how the city may consider letting the areas they are mowing revert to prairie.
The council listened respectfully to Dr. Youberg, but dismissed him without any indication that they would ever take his suggestions seriously enough to discuss it in public. It’s possible that this will be discussed by the council in ethically questionable roving sub-quorum council meetings to avoid unwanted public input, it’s hard to tell what is discussed on the golf course and in emails from private accounts that they refuse to make public. What is certain is that Sac City Mayor Barb Powell has not scheduled this for discussion at the August 9, 2010 Sac City Council meeting as of August 2, 2010.
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I hope she doesn't put it on the agenda. What a ridiculous idea. It may take a total of 10 minutes to mow that part of the old water plant. Wild flowers ARE in the eye of the beholder. I feel they are not beautiful and harbor unwanted wildlife (woodchucks, skunks, badgers, MOSQUITOES) these are ok in the wild but NOT OK IN THE CITY!!!!! Even though those badgers might take care of the cat population:)
ReplyDeleteI agree, SC, I prefer lawn, but it should be discussed and voted down, (if that is what they decide,) in public and on the record instead of behind closed doors or on the golf course as is the case now.
ReplyDeleteThis mayor allows too many items to be decided without the benefit of allowing the public to even be aware that they are being considered. It's wrong and it borders on criminal.
How many council members are country club members?
ReplyDelete...at the golf course, via private emails, at the State Farm office, etc.
ReplyDelete