During a recent Cottage Grove city council meeting, residents voiced significant concerns regarding the management of homelessness in the community and the performance of certain council members. Tanya Myers, a local resident, expressed frustration over the city’s decision to allow unhoused individuals to camp near her home without prior notification, citing negative impacts on her quality of life and community safety. She argued that enabling behaviors without accountability perpetuates the cycle of homelessness and urged the council to enforce existing ordinances and prioritize the well-being of all residents.

Myers also addressed the recall efforts against council members Alex Dreher, Chalice Shavage, and Mike Fleck, criticizing their focus on personal political ambitions over community needs. She highlighted a perceived conflict of interest with Fleck's role as director of community sharing, suggesting that his decisions could jeopardize taxpayer interests and property values.

Another resident, Patrick Anlauf, echoed these sentiments, questioning the effectiveness of council meetings and the lack of direct voter involvement in critical decisions affecting the community. He expressed a desire for greater accountability from elected officials and called for a more transparent decision-making process.

The meeting also included discussions on real property negotiations, with the Community Development Director indicating that further information would be needed before any decisions could be made regarding a written offer for a lot in the Cottage Grove Industrial Park. The council plans to revisit this matter in future sessions.

Overall, the meeting underscored growing tensions within the community regarding homelessness and the accountability of elected officials, as residents demand more proactive measures and transparency from their city council.