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Public urges action on rec-center restroom access and a local bridge repair
Summary
Two residents used the council's public-comment period to complain a city rec center lacks a 24-hour restroom and to ask why a bridge on South 29th Street has not been repaired; one commenter also criticized spending on the city-manager search.
During public comment at the Sept. 3 St. Joseph City Council meeting, two residents raised local infrastructure and services concerns.
Chad Collins of 3612 Donovan said he is a long-time rec center member and alleged staff removed him from the facility after he questioned the absence of a 24-hour-access restroom. "I just want a restroom for my gym that I've been a part of since it's opened," Collins said, and added he recorded the conversations and wants the issue addressed.
Bertha Parker of 502 South Woodbine asked why a bridge on South 29th Street has not been repaired and said she had spoken to the department head about the matter. Parker also said she was surprised she could not comment on the hiring of a firm to recruit a new city manager, offered to do the search for free and questioned the $28,900 expenditure for a search firm.
Mayor Josendale closed the meeting after public comment; no formal action was taken on the items raised during the comments period.
Why it matters: Public-comment items can flag gaps in city services and point to infrastructure issues that may require follow-up from staff. The public criticism of the search expenditure highlights differing views on procurement choices.
Next steps: The council did not take immediate action during the meeting; affected departments should follow up with the speakers and report any findings to the council.
