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Councilmember Specht expressed support for expanding the bistro seating area and believed the <br />cable fence was visually preferable to more obstructive fencing. He asked whether staff had <br />documented problems at the larger pond or were including it as a precaution. <br />Park and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood replied that staff believed visitors would <br />likely move to the larger pond if access to the smaller pond were blocked. <br />Councilmember Specht also asked whether the project would be funded from the City's park funds. <br />Park and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood clarified that qualifying physical <br />improvements could be financed through park funds, while a seasonal employee would need to be <br />supported through levy -funded operating expenses. <br />Councilmember Buscher supported the seasonal attendant concept because it would provide an <br />additional set of eyes without requiring police officers, firefighters, or other full-time personnel to <br />remain stationed at the park. She asked the Police and Fire Chiefs for their professional opinions <br />regarding the proposed fencing, including whether it could delay emergency responders attempting <br />to reach someone in distress. <br />Fire Chief Winkel explained that the cable could be cut quickly during an emergency and easily <br />replaced afterward. <br />Mayor Heineman commented that fencing the entire pond appeared excessive. He suggested that <br />the City could extend the existing decorative fence near the splash pad, employ a seasonal <br />attendant, and focus initially on educating visitors. He believed one season of consistent <br />enforcement and public education could significantly reduce inappropriate swimming without <br />requiring an immediate investment approaching $700,000. <br />Councilmembers discussed the difficulty of balancing safety with emergency access. Members <br />recognized that seconds could matter during a water rescue and asked staff to research how other <br />cities addressed similar ponds near splash pads or heavily used recreation areas. <br />The Council agreed that additional discussion would be needed after the regular City Council <br />meeting. <br />Recess <br />The meeting recessed to go into the Regular City Council meeting at 6:57 p.m. <br />Reconvened Work Session <br />Mayor Heineman reconvened the work session following the regular City Council meeting at 7:40 <br />p.m. <br />2.04: Waterfront Park (Continued) <br />City Council Work Session / July 28, 2026 <br />Page 8 of 12 <br />