Residents tell commission they feel unheard on paid parking; request schedules for RAM litigation and mediation

Several residents used the meeting's public‑comment period to press the commission on paid parking and pending litigation with an entity referenced as RAM.

Jack Ember of 1003 Bloom Street told the commission that citizens feel steamrolled on the paid‑parking issue and referenced votes in an upcoming recall referendum, saying "People don't feel heard." He urged the city to resolve the situation and suggested the protest/boycott activity was a symptom of residents feeling excluded from the process.

Franklin Heilman said he was "completely at a loss" about why the scheduled executive session on the city’s litigation with RAM was canceled and asked when a rescheduled executive session or mediation dates would be provided. Heilman said that because the city is operating under an abatement of the lawsuit, there has been no environmental, safety, economic or nuisance study completed as part of the process and that those analyses are important for the commission to have when negotiating mediation.

James Miller raised questions about the special parking revenue fund, noting an April shortfall (he quantified a $134,418 shortfall against a straight‑line model) and asked whether Shrimp Fest signage and parking adjustments may have affected May income. Staff did not commit to immediate detailed reconciliations at the meeting but pointed to budget materials in the packet for further review.

Commissioners heard the concerns and thanked speakers; no formal action was taken during the meeting to change the administration's approach or release mediation dates. Commissioners reiterated they receive many voices from the community and that the commission aims to consider long‑term interests.