Residents demand transparency on controversial landfill expansion plans

During a special council meeting on April 25th, concerns were raised regarding the potential expansion of the local landfill, a topic that has sparked significant debate among residents. Sally Sutherland, a community member, inquired whether the city was still considering this expansion, to which the mayor responded that it remains a possibility. This revelation has alarmed residents, particularly given the approximately $1.9 million spent on a previous failed attempt to expand the landfill.

Community member Jeff Kugelman has been actively engaging with neighboring communities to garner support for the landfill expansion, having visited 12 municipalities to discuss the matter. However, the council has not officially made any decisions regarding this issue, as confirmed by the mayor during the meeting. Despite this, there are indications that preparations for another attempt to expand the landfill may be underway.

Concerns about transparency were voiced, with residents questioning who is driving the push for expansion and whether these discussions are being held in public forums. The absence of clear communication from the council has led to calls for accountability, with residents demanding to know the decision-making process behind the outreach to neighboring communities.

Additionally, skepticism was expressed regarding a survey that purportedly indicated community support for the expansion, with claims that the survey was flawed. Residents are urging the council to clarify its position and to prohibit any further actions that could lead to the landfill's expansion, advocating instead for a focus on managing the landfill's closure.

As the community grapples with these developments, the call for transparency and public engagement remains a central theme, with residents eager for clarity on the future of the landfill and its implications for the city.