City Council Faces Urgent Calls on Homelessness and Code Enforcement

During a recent government meeting, community members raised pressing concerns regarding local issues, including homelessness, park maintenance, and code enforcement.

Mark Polshear, a property manager, highlighted the escalating violence associated with homelessness in the area, particularly near the Brownlee Maxwell Funeral Home. He reported threats and harassment from individuals living in the vicinity and noted difficulties with the police, who claimed his address did not exist. Polshear also mentioned that homeless individuals were using water from nearby properties, leading to increased water bills for residents. He suggested that the city consider providing relief on water bills for affected households.

Joe Reese, representing the Ogalley Little League, addressed the poor maintenance of local parks, specifically Crane and McGrath fields. He emphasized the need for improvements to ensure safety and usability for children participating in sports. Reese indicated that the league had communicated these concerns to the city but was seeking a long-term solution to the ongoing maintenance issues.

Another speaker, Brent Wallenberg, expressed his views on environmental concerns, particularly regarding the lagoon's health and the impact of government projects on local ecosystems. He criticized the use of plastic bags in fishing and urged for measures to neutralize the lagoon's acidity to prevent fish kills.

The meeting underscored the community's urgent need for effective solutions to homelessness, improved park facilities, and better environmental management, with council members acknowledging the importance of addressing these issues promptly.