Residents praise Oak Park police and raise leaves, pickup and procurement questions during public comment
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Summary
During public comment, residents praised the police for life-saving responses, raised concerns about leaf pickup timing and asked whether the city must always accept the lowest bid for projects; councilors responded and thanked the department.
Several residents spoke during the call to the audience, praising public safety staff and raising service questions.
Roosevelt Hollis thanked crews for moving garbage to daytime collection but complained about recent leaf-collection practices that left piles along property lines; he asked whether crews would return to pick up leaves placed out later. City Manager Tongate responded and indicated staff would follow up.
Resident Ken Sherman asked two questions: whether Oak Park Shelter has 24/7 staff coverage for animals at night and whether the city must always award projects to the lowest bidder. His second question drew a policy response from Council Member Sean Whitehead, who said, "We don't always take the lowest bid. We didn't go with the lowest bid because of quality of work and references and portfolios and all of that stacked up."
Jill Johnson praised the Oak Park Police Department for repeated, courteous responses while she cared for an elderly parent; City Manager Tongate added that police recently assisted at a house fire and helped save three people, including a child.
Council members expressed thanks to public safety staff and noted pride in the department.