During the public comment period a resident who identified himself as Paul Clark from the Southside Triangle told the mayor and council he had water tested from his backyard and described elevated alkalinity and fluoride and isolated bacterial indicators following nearby sewer work.

Clark said the city replaced a sewer line in his alley and that excavation may have briefly exposed sewage, which could have affected shallow groundwater near private yards. He said the lab analysis concluded the water was "safe for your plants" but cautioned against using it for household potable purposes without boiling. Clark also urged the council to invite Western Sugar to brief the council and community about past enforcement actions and to explain whether and how the company now plans to be a better neighbor; he argued the company has a long record of violations dating back to the 2000s and expressed personal concern about contamination near the Yellowstone Valley Bridal Shelter site.

Clark additionally raised a neighborhood complaint about porch/street lighting on the South Side, asking whether the city could address dark or inadequate street lighting moving forward.

Why this matters: The remarks raise local concerns about groundwater quality, potential impacts of excavation and industrial site contamination. Staff did not provide immediate regulatory determinations during public comment; such issues typically require sampling protocols, regulatory review, and follow-up by environmental and public works staff.

What's next: Council did not take immediate action at the meeting. Staff who manage water quality, public works and DEQ permits would be the appropriate contacts for follow-up. The council can request a staff memo or invite the company in to brief the council if it wants further public discussion.