Residents urge action on literacy, traffic safety and jail conditions in open forum

During open forum, several residents addressed the council on neighborhood and citywide issues.

Robert Teal (District 2) asked the council to resume poetry at the podium and suggested a small selection panel to ensure submissions are appropriate for public events. Eighth-grade resident Mila Brunselanda described a school project to create a community library in Chief Gary Park and cited literacy gaps at Stevens Elementary; the council directed her to the neighborhood council for follow-up. Larry Andrews raised concerns about lane narrowing on arterials such as Ash and Maple, arguing that smaller lanes cause operational problems for large trucks and create safety issues in winter. Tanya Comstock urged more traffic enforcement and transit service near Chatteroy and said residents there also face power-line and internet access problems. Rockwell McKeen described poor conditions inside the Spokane jail — including cracked floors and sanitation and mental-health concerns — and urged the council to prioritize facility repairs or transfers to improve inmate safety and care.

Council members thanked speakers and noted next steps where applicable, including connecting Mila with neighborhood groups and the council taking note of infrastructure and public-safety concerns.