During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the city’s website redesign and concerns regarding the demolition of the old Freeman Hospital.

Lynn from the marketing and communications team announced the launch of a survey aimed at gathering public input for the website redesign project. The survey, hosted on SurveyMonkey, is designed to assess user experiences and preferences, with the goal of creating a more user-friendly and accessible city government website. Citizens are encouraged to participate, with the survey accessible via a QR code and links on social media and the city’s website.

The meeting also featured public comments from residents, including Mary Price, who raised serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest in the city’s demolition practices. Price highlighted discrepancies in the treatment of properties, questioning the fairness of demolitions funded by taxpayer dollars, particularly in cases where city employees may have benefited financially. She called for a thorough Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study before proceeding with the demolition of the old Freeman Hospital, citing public health risks associated with the deteriorating structure.

Another resident, Brian Evans, criticized the city’s fiscal responsibility, particularly regarding the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. He argued that these funds should benefit a broader segment of the community rather than a select few, expressing concern over the city’s financial management and the impact of federal funding on local taxes and inflation. Evans also questioned the city’s priorities, suggesting that the current policies favor well-connected individuals and businesses at the expense of struggling residents.

The council acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated that further discussions on the demolition of the Freeman Hospital would occur later in the meeting, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in city operations.