Saint Cloud residents address flooding, speeding, and community issues at city council meeting

Under the bright lights of St. Cloud's city hall, residents gathered to voice their concerns and hopes during the City Council meeting on June 12, 2025. Among them was Pat Erber, a local resident who painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced by her neighborhood. With a sense of urgency, she described the flooding on Louisiana Avenue, where water had surged into her home during the last hurricane, leaving her with significant damage and no insurance to cover the costs. “It’s like a pool in my backyard,” she lamented, urging city officials to address the standing water that has plagued her and her neighbors.

City Manager, responding to Erber's plea, assured her that the public works and engineering teams would investigate the flooding issue. The urgency of her concerns was palpable, especially with the nearby playground attracting children during the summer months. “Somebody's gonna get hurt,” she warned, highlighting the dangers posed by speeding vehicles in the area.

The meeting took a poignant turn when Mary Tumbleson, a dedicated educator, took the floor to honor the victims of the Pulse nightclub massacre. With a heartfelt commitment to remembrance, she read the names of the 49 victims, creating a somber atmosphere that resonated deeply with those present. “May they rest in peace in a place of only love,” she concluded, reminding everyone of the importance of community solidarity in the face of tragedy.

As the evening progressed, Chris Gillespie raised concerns about transparency within the council. He expressed frustration over a recent closed-door meeting that had led to a moratorium on new proclamations, including one for Pride Month. Gillespie felt that the discussions had undermined the voices of those who had supported the council members in the past. “It was very upsetting to hear that,” he said, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and inclusivity in local governance.

The meeting encapsulated the diverse issues facing St. Cloud, from urgent infrastructure needs to the importance of community remembrance and the call for transparency in governance. As residents left the city hall, the echoes of their voices lingered, a reminder of the collective responsibility to address the challenges and celebrate the resilience of their community.