Residents press council on homelessness outreach, golf-course parking, park tree trimming and traffic safety; staff outlines steps

Several residents used the public-input period to raise neighborhood issues and public-safety concerns, and staff described actions they will take in response.

Frank Nolan, a local volunteer with point-in-time outreach work, recounted recent outreach and urged continued city support for people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of losing housing. Nolan said outreach teams found fewer people than expected in a recent count but described individual cases that remain unresolved and asked the council to consider broader help in addition to ongoing Habitat for Humanity work.

Greg Hepler, owner of the Pelican Diner at the golf course, told the council the restaurant is losing parking to golfers and that recent fencing reduced available spaces. He asked the city manager for a meeting and for clearer signage and possible speed-hump placement to slow traffic near the restaurant entrance.

Richard Gilmore echoed parking concerns near the golf course and invited the council to an upcoming community “treasure hunt” event at Riverview Park.

Charlene Furman raised concerns about heavy pruning of shade trees in Hardy Park and other parks and urged the city to prioritize shade for park users during the Riverfront Park renovation. Parks staff (Brian) responded that some low-limb trimming was done for wind mitigation and hazard reduction; staff said the city will maximize shade where possible as the project proceeds.

On traffic safety, City staff reported results of a speed study on Layport Drive (one-week sample): 589 eastbound trips and 629 westbound trips were recorded. Staff said the 85th percentile speeds were 33.7 mph eastbound and 34.6 mph westbound where the posted limit is 30 mph. Staff recommended adding speed-limit signage, deploying portable radar speed signs temporarily, and targeted police enforcement; another speed study will follow after those measures.

Councilmembers discussed additional signage showing fines and requested that staff coordinate enforcement during peak times (staff noted the higher-speed windows were around lunchtime and late-afternoon). Several council members also raised broader concern about county sewer planning and the city’s ability to secure service for certain neighborhoods; councilmembers urged continued and elevated discussions with county officials about service commitments and timelines.