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Residents urge review meeting on Citizens Review Board document and seek rent-relief assistance; organizer seeks city endorsement for April prayer rally
Summary
During public comment, Dana Mitchell asked the mayor and council to meet over a 10-page Citizens Review Board document she says Vice Mayor Gray shared without consent; another speaker sought city assistance for a tenant facing potential rent hardship, and a separate commenter sought council endorsement for an April 24 prayer rally.
Several citizens used the council's public-comment period to raise distinct concerns and requests.
Dana C. Mitchell opened the public-comment segment by thanking the city for a pothole repair and then raising a complaint about the handling of a 10-page Citizens Review Board document. Mitchell said she shared the document privately with Vice Mayor Gray "approximately 2 years, 5 months ago" and later learned Gray had emailed it to "well over 30 to 40 individuals" without her prior consent. Mitchell asked for "a formal meeting with Mayor Phillip Jones" and any council members who wished to discuss the matter.
Francis Jacobson (introduced on the meeting roster) described organizing a one-hour, 10-minute citywide prayer and worship event planned for Saturday, April 24, 2025 at "Newbeat Grove." The speaker said several pastors had pledged support and requested council partnership and endorsement for the event.
Javon Bennett asked the council to help connect a tenant to rent-relief resources after a job loss and a subsequent medical emergency left the tenant concerned about covering future rent. The city manager directed Bennett to Deputy City Manager Ginger Blunt Moore in the Human Services department for follow-up assistance.
What the record shows: the transcript records Mitchell's allegation about disclosure of a document but does not show an on-the-record response from Vice Mayor Gray or other council members during the meeting. Bennett's request received an on-the-record referral to Human Services for follow-up.
