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Residents press Payson council on communications spending and bike safety during public comment
Summary
Multiple residents used call to the public to raise concerns about the town's communications spending on radio, a hit‑and‑run bicycle crash and pool naming; one resident alleged a $2,000 payment to KMOG, which another resident disputed on the record.
At the Jan. 28 Payson Common Council meeting, several residents used call to the public to press the council on communications spending, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and a proposed naming of a future pool.
Mike Quinn, a Payson resident, alleged the town manager had used public funds (he cited $2,000) to appear on KMOG, which Quinn described as a partisan outlet. Quinn asked the council to terminate any financial arrangements with KMOG, direct the town manager to use neutral channels, and develop a transparent communications policy so public information would not favor a political faction. Quinn said, "Public funds cannot be used to support partisan propaganda," and urged the council to restore neutrality and trust.
A different resident, Ingrid, told the council she has heard the town broadcasts and said she had not observed political statements from the town manager and that the broadcasts help her keep up with local information.
David Lewandowski recounted being struck by a car while riding a bicycle in a crosswalk and said bystanders drove away. He described near‑misses on crosswalks as routine and offered to meet with staff and police to develop low‑cost safety solutions; he said he will supply video evidence via a forward‑facing camera.
Another resident, Sharon Armstead, proposed naming a future aquatic facility the 'Chris Higgins Memorial Aquatic Center' in recognition of a local volunteer and former official.
None of these public comments resulted in immediate council action during the meeting; councilmembers asked staff to collect contact information and indicated staff would follow up where appropriate.
