During a recent city council meeting, former council member expressed concerns regarding the lack of transparency and communication surrounding unresolved citizen inquiries, particularly those raised by resident Mister Koppel. He noted that many citizens feel their questions go unanswered during meetings, leading to a perception of behind-the-scenes decision-making. To address this, he plans to act as an advocate for residents, encouraging them to voice legitimate concerns and ensuring that public answers are provided.
The primary focus of the discussion was on the installation of streetlights in the Northbrook area, which has been a point of contention for residents. Currently, the neighborhood has only five streetlights, despite previous proposals for eight additional lights. The last update on this issue was presented to the council in August 2023, leaving residents without clarity for nearly a year.
The former council member emphasized the need for a timeline regarding the installation of these streetlights, stating that even if the work is delayed, residents deserve to know when it will begin. He plans to return to the next council meeting to formally request an update on the project.
Council members acknowledged the historical context of the issue, noting that the responsibility for streetlight installation may have fallen to the city due to previous developer oversights. They assured that efforts are being made to rectify past mistakes and improve the process moving forward.
The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges of municipal communication and the importance of addressing citizen concerns in a timely and transparent manner.