At the Nov. 18 meeting, two members of the public addressed the council on separate but related community priorities. Lindsay Brown, speaking in favor of a nature-based play space, thanked supporters and said the project would provide "physical, mental and social benefits" for children and enhance tourism. "I'm excited for this opportunity to bring a nature play space to our city," she said.

Another commenter, identified in the transcript as Priyana, urged the council to adopt regular budget deliberation sessions, recommending five sessions a year. Priyana argued these structured public discussions "help us examine essential services, consider future obligations, and identify solutions, not just cuts," and called the sessions a way to increase transparency and community co-creation of priorities. She concluded, "I respectfully ask the council to consider 5 budget deliberations sessions this year."

Separately, the mayor presented a certificate recognizing the parks and recreation department for maintaining Tonawanda's parks and rails-to-trails and for being named Tree City USA during the mayor's four years in office. The mayor described the department's work maintaining trees and replanting hundreds annually and commended staff for the recognition.

The council did not take immediate formal action on either the nature play space or the request for additional budget deliberation sessions during the meeting; both items were heard during public comment and will remain available for future staff or agenda follow-up.