4/4/13
The Council approved spending $6500 to erect a six-foot high plastic-coated chain-link fence around the garden plots at the Skate Park.
Seems the Parks Commission felt that having the individual garden plot renters continue to do do their own fencing caused an eyesore. Of course, it seems that the most important reason was that Excelsior had a really nice looking fence around its garden plots adjacent to County Rd. 19.
Interestingly, if one views the council meeting, one can hear Planning Director Nielson saying that a six foot fence wasn't high enough to keep out deer. Deer was the other justification.
So, $6500 to fence in 16 garden plots and not high enough to keep out deer, but just as nice as Excelsior's fence. Is that how you'd spend money if it was yours (oh!, yes it is yours).
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Excelsior also has trails and tennis courts, but that's not the reason Shorewood builds and maintains these amenities. Also, while deer may be able to scale a six foot fence in the open field, jumping into the relatively small confines of the garden will occur far less often, if at all. I think the fence is a good idea and money well spent.
ReplyDeleteMy experience with fences that deer cannot safely jump? They push against the fence until it is loosened, sags, or is knocked down. And, it takes only one errant deer to make the leap, get trapped inside and the garden is history.
DeleteBut before we go down this rabbit hole, how much taxpayer money do we want to spend per pound of food produced in these little garden plots before it becomes laughable--or are we already there?
I have been following this topic in the city for a long time. The small amount of rent the gardeners pay annually does not offset this expense.
ReplyDeleteAlso, do I recall correctly that they have free access to water at these plots? Service that was installed specifically for them?
And did council not at a recent meeting vote to expand the garden plots? (I thought that was why the fence price went from $5000 to $6500). And is this Park Commission money? Please clarify.
Along with said expansion does not Public Works have to till the new areas and provide soil supplementation? (Could Public Works come to my house and till up my garden expansion and provide soil supplementation when they are done at the skate park?)
I am a gardener. One of the garden plot renters once asked me why I didn't rent a plot when my yard is in almost complete shade and I am plagued with deer.
ReplyDeleteHer comment was why not, when the city "does everything for us" including provide water and now fencing. Indeed, that is a compelling argument if you don't mind driving somewhere else. I have considered it but I like to enjoy my gardens up close and frequently at my home.
The "city" is often seen as an entity unconnected with the pocket books of the residents. I believe that this is an amenity worth providing and the location is perfect. But I think the gardeners should pay more for the privilege.
The last two posts were both informative and thoughtful. Thank you fellow bloggers for giving balance to the discussion, and making a good suggestion regarding the bottom line.
ReplyDeleteCouncilmembers, please read this (we know you do), learn something, and take the appropriate action to raise the rates to offset the cost of the privilege.
If people lived in high density apartments and condos, then this would make more sense... Wait a minute is this part of paper mache power-broker Love's "vision thing?"
ReplyDeleteCheer-up gang. At least the money wasn't wasted on repairing our potholes, fixing water infiltration into our sewer-lines or a fiber optic infrastructure.
ReplyDeleteSince when is spending on necessities or improvements that benefit everyone, the job of government? "Modern" politicians purchase votes, and certainly not with their own money.
I'm sure the fence guaranteed at least 3-4 votes for the incumbents - at the expense of the rest of the residents.
The dollar amounts are relatively small, but they add up. I think what aggravates people is that there is no policy, process or reasoning before granting these gifts.
ReplyDeleteAs another blogger pointed out, we all have little projects that we'd like to have the city handle for us, or pay for.
What I am saying, Council, is that you need to have policies, and follow a process or we could all show up with our hands out and what would be your argument for denial? You really have none.