Residents praise outgoing commissioners; one resident urges repair of Westmoreland Avenue

The DeSoto Planning and Zoning Commission used its community-interest time to recognize two departing members and to hear a resident raise a neighborhood road repair concern.

Several commissioners and members of the public offered tributes to Chair Ravenel and Commissioner Bell, thanking them for their service and praising their integrity and diligence. Commissioners, staff and the mayor pro tem all offered remarks of appreciation; multiple speakers noted the departing members' preparation, leadership and community service.

During citizen appearances, a longtime resident, identified in the meeting as David McClurkey, asked the commission to raise the condition of Westmoreland Avenue between Eagle Drive and the southern city border (near Holy Redeemer Cemetery). McClurkey said the stretch is "all bumpy" and requested that the city consider that road for future roadwork because it is adjacent to the DeSoto Eagles stadium and the cemetery.

Chair Ravenel and staff advised the resident that the city council is the appropriate forum to request capital improvements and suggested he attend the next council meeting. Mr. Trent Carroll (project coordinator, Development Services) said staff would obtain McClurkey's contact information and follow up about his concerns.

Other community announcements included a reminder about a joint boards and commissions meeting scheduled for the next day in the Pecan Room and a Development Services civic-academy session on Oct. 16 where boards and commissions will present and discuss their roles with the public. Mayor Pro Tem Chisholm and staff emphasized outreach associated with the city's 10-year strategic plan.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the consent minutes and adjournment. Commissioners expressed optimism that new members will continue the commission's work and pledged to remain engaged in the community.