During a recent city council meeting, Nathalyn O'Reeg addressed concerns regarding the utility disconnection procedures that disproportionately affect elderly residents. O'Reeg shared her personal experience of having her electricity cut off for the third time, emphasizing the need for more consumer-friendly practices from the utilities department. She suggested that utility companies should provide better communication, such as advance notifications before disconnections, to help residents manage their bills more effectively.
O'Reeg highlighted that she is not alone in facing these challenges, recounting her encounter with another elderly woman who also had her lights turned off. She urged the council to consider implementing procedures that would prevent such situations, particularly for vulnerable populations.
In response, a council member acknowledged that there used to be a system in place to notify residents of overdue bills via phone calls, and expressed a willingness to investigate whether these practices are still being followed.
The meeting also covered other agenda items, including a motion to approve various ordinances and resolutions, which was passed unanimously by the council. Additionally, a public hearing was scheduled to discuss proposed amendments to the land development code, as recommended by the planning board.