City councilors renewed Crystal Green's landscaping contract by a 4-3 vote. Public comment centered on concerns of chemicals being used in public spaces, such as Jackson Park.
City councilors renewed Crystal Green's landscaping contract by a 4-3 vote. Public comment centered on concerns of chemicals being used in public spaces, such as Jackson Park.
HOOD RIVER — Though it was a split decision, city councilors approved a 5-year-renewal of the City of Hood River’s landscaping contract with Crystal Greens. The vote was 4-3, with Mayor Paul Blackburn casting the final vote.
Many public comments were made regarding the topic when the contract was first presented at a council meeting earlier in the year. Residents expressed concern about the chemical sprays used to manage weeds in public spaces. After discussing options, councilors requested that Crystal Greens reevaluate the contract and present them with alternative options.
During their second meeting, Crystal Greens presented three options for the contract: Option 1 included no change to the proposal, option 2 adopted a “less harmful chemical” and consultation with local experts, and option 3 offered no weed spray only hand-pulling which had a significant price increase.
Again public comments were many, listing concerns like public safety, children’s health and recreation, and public trust and risk. Some community members spoke in support of a ban on chemicals and said they would rather see grassroots movements manage the landscape guided by local experts and volunteer work. Many said that they are not concerned with aesthetics and convenience but rather the well-being of residents, soil, and water.
Matt Gray from Crystal Greens highlighted changes the company has made in landscaping methods over the years such as changing between pesticides and herbicides to more “environmentally-sound” options. He said Crystal Greens ultimately wants to provide a safe and useful community space for everyone in Hood River.
City Manager Abigail Elder wrote that the final vote approved option 2, a less harmful chemical called “fiesta,” as well as a commitment “to work with local experts to find ways to lessen the city’s use of chemicals in landscaping maintenance.” She said she doesn’t foresee the issue being on another future agenda but council will get updates as the contract moves forward.
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