Residents urge support for Meals on Wheels and raise safety, equity concerns during public comment

Two residents used the public comment period at the Middleton Common Council meeting on Dec. 2 to press the council on community services and safety.

Steven Small, a volunteer driver for Middleton’s Meals on Wheels program, said the program delivers roughly 35–40 meals a week on weekdays and provides vital daily contact for isolated seniors. "Each meal is really a lifeline to someone who depends on it, not just for the nutrition, but for the vital connection and the reassurance that it provides," Small said. He described doing small chores for seniors during visits and said the volunteer-run service helps people remain safely in their homes.

A second commenter, whose participation was announced as Katrina Velen but who identified herself during remarks with the name Katharina Judy, said a 27‑year‑old veteran had been found near Lakeview Park and urged the city for improved lighting and more reliable Wi‑Fi for emergency calls. She also raised concerns about racial profiling in a recent traffic stop and said she had filed a complaint; in her remarks she read language summarizing an investigatory review that concluded the officer’s behavior did not violate the permit policy. She told council members she is collecting signatures in her neighborhood and said she may run for office if a seat opens.

Council members received the comments and noted the issues raised. The speakers’ remarks were delivered during the public comment portion of the meeting and did not prompt immediate council action during the session.