During public comment at the Dec. 16 Benton Harbor City Commission meeting, resident Glenda Wissnack (1181 Ogden Avenue) praised aspects of a state-led lead-reduction effort but detailed multiple problems she says remain at her home and at others’ properties. She told commissioners she found failed electrical work, a removed hot-water heater (which she said was cut in half), leaks that were discovered only after removing a bathroom panel and inconsistent inspection outcomes that left residents with repair bills.

“I am grateful for those, but I'm not really happy with the work that's been done,” Wissnack said, describing subcontractor practices and saying she was unwilling to pay $500 for work she believes was completed incorrectly. She said a faucet needed replacement (about $169) and that some inspection items initially failed and later were recorded as passing when re-inspected. She also said she had asked for permits and was told someone needed to come to inspect before she could see a plumbing permit, and she urged the city to ensure contractors are paying required taxes and are held accountable for shoddy work.

Clerk and management representatives acknowledged the comment period and indicated staff would follow up; the commission did not take an immediate formal action on Glenda’s complaint during the meeting. The record shows commissioners and city staff heard the complaint and that staff were asked to investigate and clarify permit and contractor responsibilities. The clerk also noted committee assignments and other business items during the meeting.

The resident’s comments raise potential operational and public-accountability questions for the city: which contractor performed the work, which permits were pulled and inspected by state and local officials, whether residents were charged for work completed by contractors under state programs, and whether utility billing impacts (higher water bills) could be tied to repair work. City staff should verify permit records, inspection logs and the contractor chain of responsibility and report back to the commission with a recommended remediation or enforcement path.

Speakers: Glenda Wissnack (resident, 1181 Ogden Avenue) provided the detailed account during the public-comment period. The meeting record does not include a contractor or state representative’s response at the open meeting.