Members of Oakdale FES and other community groups tell council they were treated disrespectfully by interim city staff

Several representatives of Oakdale FES and other community groups used the public‑comment period to tell the council they felt they had been treated disrespectfully by interim city staff during a meeting about parade permitting and volunteer placement.

Kristen Souza of Oakdale FES said the group went to the meeting expecting collaboration but was told on multiple occasions that it had a ‘‘terrible reputation’’ and was not respectful to city staff. She said the comments were new to the organization and that staff refused a follow‑up meeting to confirm volunteer placements and route maps.

Ilda Medina, who said she was invited to a meeting with city representatives and the interim city manager, described a dismissive tone and said she would not allow that manner of speaking to her or other women. Medina said an MOU presented during the meeting listed fees for city intervention and that staff asked the group to sign the document on the spot; she quoted staff as saying, "time is of the essence," and said she declined to sign without review.

Tina Lucas, Oakdale FES secretary, also described being told by interim staff that the organization was the "most difficult to work with" despite a long history of service, and said staff could not provide a fee breakdown when asked. Multiple speakers asked the council to ensure future interactions are professional and that the city provide clearer fee information and route staffing for parades.

Mayor Sherlyn Barrios and other council members said they were saddened to hear the comments and expressed a desire to work the issue out and ensure positive customer service from city employees.

What’s next: Council acknowledged the complaints and indicated staff will follow up; the council also scheduled a separate public meeting to consider appointment of a city manager, where staffing and administrative issues could be further addressed.