During a recent city council meeting held on April 5, 2023, Mayor Patricia Hart and council members addressed several community concerns, primarily focusing on the lack of garbage cans in downtown areas and speeding issues on local roads.

Public comments highlighted the absence of trash receptacles, particularly during the busy summer months when tourism peaks. Resident Carolyn Carlton emphasized the need for more garbage cans, especially near waterfront areas, noting that visitors often struggle to find places to dispose of waste. She suggested that the city consider forming a discussion group to explore solutions to this ongoing issue. Another resident, Zack Wandberg, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the removal of trash cans has negatively impacted cleanliness and visitor experience. He proposed that the city should take responsibility for maintaining trash receptacles and suggested exploring community volunteer efforts to assist with waste management.

In addition to the trash issue, Carlton raised concerns about speeding on Northern Avenue and Highland Street. She recommended the installation of awareness tools, such as orange flags or blinking lights, to alert drivers to speed limit changes, citing safety concerns for pedestrians and residents.

The council members acknowledged these issues and indicated that they would consider the suggestions presented by the community. The meeting also included the swearing-in of a new police chief, which was anticipated to enhance local law enforcement presence and potentially address some of the safety concerns raised by residents.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of community engagement in local governance, as residents voiced their concerns and proposed actionable solutions to improve the quality of life in the city.