Residents urge council to put parks-and-rec bond on the ballot; family calls for traffic safety changes after fatal crash

Several residents used the public-comment period to press the council to advance the parks-and-recreation bond and to describe community benefits of improved recreation and pool facilities. Cheryl Shockey, speaking for the McMinnville Pickleball Club, said the facilities benefit people of all ages and urged councilors to "put this bond on the ballot for our community and for our health." Kevin Chambers, representing the Community Parks and Recreation PAC, said the PAC had adjusted its proposal to stay under $100 million and that "the message is clear, we're hearing people want this project." He told councilors the PAC had hosted outreach and asked the council not to block momentum.

Ytalia (Sitlale in the sign-in) Grimaldo spoke as a parent about the value of swim-team participation, saying her child has gained confidence, discipline and friendships through the program and that the current facility is aging and "no longer meeting the needs" of more children who want to learn to swim.

A separate commenter and several people who accompanied her asked the council to consider traffic-safety changes at the intersection of Cypress and Old Sheridan (and nearby roads) after a fatal crash on May 24 that killed a local resident and her dog. The group said the victim was a regular pedestrian on that route. Mayor Morris and staff acknowledged the fatality, said police and public-works staff are looking at the location and that a consultant has been engaged to evaluate possible changes.

Speakers at public comment also announced a community informational meeting for the bond and other outreach events; the CPR PAC said it planned an informational meeting and encouraged council attendance.