Residents press Shelton council on illegal camps, litter and public-safety impacts

Several residents used the public-comment period Tuesday to press the Shelton City Council for more action on illegal camping, trash and drug-related litter on city and county properties.

Dave Mortensen, who identified himself as a longtime local educator, described extensive garbage and needles along Highway 3, on hillsides above the yacht club and in other locations. Mortensen said volunteers who organized under the name “No More” have started cleanups, petitioned business owners for support and plan continued efforts to remove camps and refuse.

Bill Hyatt, who said he recently moved to Mason County and described property damage he attributes to homelessness in another jurisdiction, said he observed a mobile clinic or “p kiosk truck” where people spent only minutes in the unit before returning to the street. Hyatt said he saw a “pied piper” effect and expressed alarm about downtown tagging, sleeping in public buildings and other disorder.

Both speakers asked the council to work with volunteer groups, enforce laws against illegal camping and help organize cleanups. Mortensen handed the council a multi-page packet describing the group’s priorities; Hyatt said he and others have removed tens of thousands of pounds of trash in volunteer efforts.

Council members did not take formal action during public comment but referenced upcoming city-sponsored community cleanups and the city manager’s announcements about drop-off events scheduled for May 10 and May 17. The council did not record any direction or a staff assignment during the speakers’ remarks in the meeting record.

Why it matters: Residents described public-health and neighborhood-quality concerns tied to illegal camps and trash; they asked for enforcement and partnership with volunteer groups. The comments provide local context for the council’s later public-works agenda items and community cleanup scheduling.