Iron Bridge Residents Request Better Upkeep Of Subdivision
For most Moose Javians the Iron Bridge Estates subdivision is seen as exclusive, large lots and only the City's most affluent residents call the neighbourhood home.
But at last Monday evening's Executive Committee meeting the maintenance of City-owned property and infrastructure within the development was the topic.
In a series of concerns raised by residents and the newly formed Iron Bridge Community Association the idea of a lush and green neighbourhood was under the microscope.
Looking south over a berm area along the walking trail - MJ Independent photo.
There were seven key concerns identified in the complaints raised from Iron Bridge.
The seven key concerns identified were:
Poor maintenance of the park spaces – grass cutting, weed trimming
Presence of foxtail and broadleaf weeds and the spread into private properties
Poor condition of the west and south berms – weed presence, dead trees
Gopher infestation affecting private properties
Condition of pathways and roadways
Condition of manholes and catch basins
Condition of pathway lights.
A recently mowed ditch area - MJ Independent photo
The issue of maintenance of City-owned greenspace was heavily discussed.
In an extensive report to Council it was pointed out the subdivision receives maintenance, such as grass and weed cutting, on the same timeline as other City-owned park areas.
Presently the duration of mowings happening on City-owned park areas is every 1.5 to two weeks. The environmental reserve areas - which are part of the neighbourhood's green space - is not cut as often to preserve its natural state as long as possible.
If the City was falling behind in Iron Bridge then they were falling behind in the same work elsewhere in the city, the report to Executive stated.
The report included a chart showing the maintenance budgets for other park areas in the city compared to Iron Bridge.
The chart showed the most money spent annually on the greenspaces listed was the Iron Bridge subdivision. The City budgeted $13,856 annually for Iron Bridge greenspace maintenance. See chart below.
Chart comparing annual budgeted amounts for neighbourhood park maintenance - MJ Independent photo
The report also admitted there were problems which needed to be rectified.
The cost of the preliminarily proposed repairs is $268,000 which need to be approved during upcoming capital budget discussions.
The preliminary proposals may be viewed here.
Catch basin problems were a concern in the neighbourhood and three areas will have their problems fixed by the end of August.
Additionally there were problems identified with manhole covers.
The manholes identified as deficiencies are set to be repaired based upon a city-wide replacement criteria.
The criteria prioritizes repair and replacement based upon traffic on the road as well as overall safety of the roadway.
A look down a pathway in Iron Bridge Estates - MJ Independent
Executive Committee's Discussion
City manager Jim Puffalt attributed some of the concerns raised based upon poor design of the neighbourhood.
“Going back to Iron Bridge there area number of issues that were carried forward. And then again some of the landscaping decisions which may not be effective,” Puffalt said, adding it is tough to grow things on top of a hill especially when the weather is dry.
It needs to be noted Iron Bridge Estates was initially designed by a private developer and was not part of the City of Moose Jaw. It became part of the city through annexation.
“Certainly there are some issues we inherited that we look to repair as we go forward,” he said.
Parks and Recreation manager Derek Blais said Iron Bridge's park area receives “the same type of service we provide across the city.”
There was one missed cut on the west berm in late June he said.
The cut was missed due to not wanting to disturb newly planted grass on the berm. In July heavy rains meant the City was unable to access the area to mow.
“A lot of topsoil is blowing in from the adjacent field. The sunrooms (of homes) were filled. There was a ton of dirt that blew in,” he said adding three feet of blow dirt had to be removed from the berm.
Blais said the report presented preliminary capital spending options to address the design concerns.
“Establishing a proper standard of care will be difficult unless some of these design issues can be addressed,” he said.
As far as gopher problems Blais said the City had already gone through three times applications to control the rodents. The three times is more than most areas of the city receive with one more application yet to take place.
In questioning from Councillor Crystal Froese about the need to stage in the repair efforts Blais said the alkaline soil conditions made doing all of the work at once undesirable and potentially expensive.
“We are going to try something in one area and if it working then let’s expand the program,” Blais said.
A look at the roadway - MJ Independent photo
Bigger City-Wide Issue
Councillor Brian Swanson brought up the issue of the City taking over privately developed subdivisions which were not up to City standards. As a result taxpayers were often on the hook for necessary repairs and upgrades.
He listed not only Iron Bridge Estates but also Diefenbaker Drive and West Park's Maplewood Drive as examples where the developer did the work but in short order the City is reparing infrastructure.
“The City allows the developments then we sign off on them and much too soon we are spending money to repair them,” Councillor Swanson said.
He called for better oversight and policies regarding privately developed neighbourhoods as deficiencies were costing the City money.
“What happens is the City takes over this which requires a large expenditure way too soon. And it is expensive and an unnecessary cost to taxpayers…we have to do a better job signing off before we take it over.”
After more discussion which included Councillor Dawn Luhning saying she agreed with Councillor Swanson and the issue needed to be addressed City Manager Puffalt said it has been during his tenure.
“That is already in the developing and servicing agreements. It’s up to us to hold the developers accountable to meet that standard…we already have those policies in place. It’s up to us to enforce them and follow them through.”
In a unanimous vote the report was received and filed meaning Council agreed with its recommendations.
An updated email report of what happened when Administration met with Iron Bridge residents regarding the report is to be sent to Council members.