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Residents urge pump track, crosswalk and raise animal control and sanitary concerns during public comment
Summary
Public commenters urged council to explore a BMX pump track (Matt Billings, plus child speaker Addie), requested a high-visibility crosswalk near Nueva Esperanza Leadership Academy (Alondra Parra), raised off-ramp visibility concerns (Steve Wilson), and one speaker made extensive allegations about animal control practices and past city officials (Mary Mahoney).
Several members of the public addressed the council during the public comment period on recreation, safety and animal-control issues.
Matt Billings described a proposal for a BMX pump track—possibly sited at a future regional park—arguing it would provide a year-round training facility, support competitive riders, draw tourism dollars and give local children a safer place to ride. He said he was not asking for an immediate decision but asked council to "have the seed planted" and asked staff to look at feasibility.
A young resident, Addie, reinforced the pump-track request and suggested Casa Del Sol as a good location because it is near schools and has parking. Parent Alondra Parra asked the city to evaluate a dangerous pedestrian crossing used by students near Nueva Esperanza Leadership Academy and consider high-visibility striping, flashing beacons or curb extensions; staff and mayoral staff recommended contacting the councilmember for that district to follow up.
Steve Wilson requested that staff examine an I-182 off-ramp near Broadmoor where grading and dirt limit visibility at peak times.
During a longer public comment, Mary Mahoney made multiple allegations about Tri City Animal Services and former city officials, citing missing funds, alleged mishandling of euthanasia and requests for records under RCW 42.56. The transcript records the allegations as delivered; no staff response was provided during the public comment. Councilmembers acknowledged the comments and recommended submitting records requests where appropriate.
Council thanked the public for comments and directed staff to follow up, including sharing the pump-track idea with Parks & Rec staff and investigating pedestrian crossing and road-safety concerns.
