A recent government meeting highlighted serious concerns regarding environmental issues and infrastructure in the city. A consultant's report revealed significant problems with toxic waste management, particularly from the Boise toxic waste pit, which is reportedly discharging 500 gallons of toxic waste into the sewer line each month. This situation has raised alarms, especially since the sewer line on Sykes Road is already at capacity, necessitating a costly $40 million upgrade.

The meeting also addressed the water reservoir issues, which have escalated from an estimated few hundred thousand dollars to a projected $10 million replacement project. Documentation from a local resident, Ron, pointed out various workmanship problems and a lack of follow-up on agreements with contractors. There are also indications that a larger reservoir may be leaking.

Concerns were raised about the city’s handling of a single-way street project between the park and city hall, which was built without public review despite initial public rejection. Additionally, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued reports on local industrial sites, indicating that capping contaminated areas is the only acceptable method for dealing with toxic waste. This decision could render about two miles of the St. Helens waterfront unusable for industrial purposes.

The DEQ's approach has drawn criticism, especially since cancer rates in Columbia County are the highest in the state. However, the DEQ does not consider these rates when making decisions about toxic waste treatment.

In other matters, the meeting touched on the cancellation of an RV park project due to zoning issues and the ongoing administrative leave of the police chief, which remains unexplained.

The meeting concluded with a community member expressing gratitude for city staff efforts in restoring historic homes, highlighting the importance of local support in addressing these pressing issues.