Residents of Birmingham voiced their frustrations during a recent government meeting, highlighting issues with local plumbing services and the accessibility of public comment. One resident detailed a troubling experience with a plumbing issue that led to damage of their private irrigation system. They expressed dissatisfaction with the timing of the repairs, which occurred early on a Saturday morning without prior notice, leaving their family without clean water. The resident emphasized the need for better water quality, stating, \"If we say we're the best city in Michigan, I think we should at least have drinkable water.\"
Another resident, Brad Coulter, criticized the local government's handling of public comments, particularly regarding discussions on Wimbledon Drive. He argued that the current rules discourage community participation by forcing residents to wait until late in the meeting to voice their concerns. Coulter's comments were echoed by others, including Danny Hill, who noted that many parents were unable to stay for the lengthy wait and had not received responses to their inquiries about the Wimbledon matter.
In response to the growing discontent, a motion was made to prioritize public comments on the agenda. The commission agreed to move communications up in the meeting, allowing residents to express their concerns sooner. The meeting underscored the importance of community engagement and the need for local government to address residents' issues promptly and effectively.