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Oakland residents press commission on road millings, paving and meeting audio during public forum
Summary
Residents raised concerns about meeting audio quality and urged the commission to reconsider asphalt millings on neighborhood streets—citing dust, loose stones and petitions—while others defended the treatment as serviceable; commissioners and staff said they are collecting quotes and evaluating paving options.
During the public forum on May 26 residents reported problems with the meeting audio system and urged the commission to improve microphones so meetings can be recorded and heard by the public. Scott Rand of 305 Edge Group said ceiling or room mics would ensure consistent pickup when individual mics fail.
Several speakers then addressed neighborhood street treatments. John Hammerstein and other residents urged the commission to pave sections of Vic and Arrington (and additional short segments named during the forum), and to reconsider the use of asphalt millings, which commenters said had produced dust, loose stones and variable quality since application. One resident said 81% of neighborhood respondents had petitioned for paving.
"All we have are loose stones all over these roads and we have dust," one resident testified, describing performance that was adequate only briefly after application. Another resident, Ed Kulicowski, countered that the millings were functional and urged the commission not to be pressured by a minority of residents.
Staff and commissioners acknowledged the concerns, said quotes for paving and repairs are being collected, and noted work remains in process on Vic and Arrington. The commission encouraged residents to submit documented complaints and petitions so staff can prioritize repair and paving work.
The public forum also covered other routine matters, including follow‑ups on previously requested quotes and the town's process for assessing road maintenance options. No formal action was taken during the meeting; residents were invited to provide written information to staff for follow‑up.
