Residents press commission on Livingston Healthcare and smart meters; city replies that opt‑out program and additional information were considered

During the public comment period on June 17 several speakers raised concerns about local healthcare and a recently proposed smart‑meter purchase.

A speaker identifying himself as "JK" told the commission he had visited Livingston Healthcare’s emergency department multiple times and said the facility provided suboptimal care; he criticized press coverage that described the facility as highly rated and questioned the commission’s reliance on consultant material when approving smart meters. The commenter alleged the commission had relied on a report funded by Intel and Bill Gates and urged commissioners to reconsider the smart‑meter purchase.

City response and follow‑up: Planning and administrative staff and the city manager responded at the meeting. City staff said the commission had continued the smart‑meter discussion to a second meeting, collected additional information and changed its recommendation to include an opt‑out option for residents. City Manager Grant Gager and other commissioners encouraged residents with questions about smart meters to contact the city manager for details, and staff offered to share the technical information and the opt‑out program specifics.

Another public commenter, Linda Moore, asked for improved audio and microphone access for in‑room participation; the chair and staff provided microphones and made logistics accommodations.

What the record shows: The transcript records public comment raising healthcare quality concerns and raising health and privacy questions about the smart‑meter purchase, and commissioners/staff noted the commission had revisited the smart‑meter recommendation and added an opt‑out approach; the commission did not take a final vote on a smart‑meter contract during the meeting.