Residents raise water microplastics and zoning concerns during public comment

During public comment at the Temple City Council meeting, three residents raised operational and policy matters for city staff.

Shanna Wildhart, who identified herself as working with the Central Texas Housing Consortium, told the council the city’s water plant has detected microplastics and that reverse-osmosis systems could remove micro- and nanoplastics and certain persistent contaminants. She said she had spoken with the Texas Water Development Board and Scott Galloway about grant funding, and that "the application ends on April 4," noting that grant awards would be announced by September with funding available by early spring 2026 if awarded. Wildhart asked whether the city would pursue the grant.

Alan Lytle commended public works, code enforcement and senior outreach, praising efforts to clear dilapidated buildings and the senior-scams presentation by Officer Cody Close.

Shekinah (Selman) Bridges described difficulties using a privately owned two-acre parcel that she and her wife purchased, saying they were told conflicting information by realtors and city staff about permitted uses. Bridges said the couple had discussed a small car lot and building a home but now plan to use the site for multiple homes and supportive housing through her nonprofit, Shadow Cover Bridges. Council members and the mayor directed Bridges to meet with Cheryl Maxwell in the Planning Department to locate the parcel and learn applicable zoning and options; staff advised not to proceed further until meeting with planning staff.

These public comments did not produce formal council action during the meeting, though staff were instructed to assist the resident in locating the parcel and advising on options.