Resident Don Bthoon praises Garden City fire department, urges action on derelict pickup

Don Bthoon, a Garden City resident, used his three-minute public comment at the May 4 city council meeting to raise a longstanding code-enforcement concern and to publicly praise the city’s fire department. He said a red pickup truck parked at the northeast corner of Highway 80 and Dean Forest Road has been in place “for at least 2 years” and should have been identified earlier as a nuisance or derelict vehicle; he noted the vehicle now carries a red tag but asked why it took so long for staff or council to act.

Bthoon also commended recent investments he said have improved the city’s appearance and services, praising the new city sign and expanded street sweeping. He said his street has been swept multiple times and complimented the operator’s efficiency.

The bulk of Bthoon’s remarks celebrated the city’s fire department and its leadership. He asked the council to mark International Firefighter Recognition Day and highlighted that, under the department’s chief, the department “came to achieve an ISO rating of two,” a designation he said fewer than 3% of U.S. departments hold and one that affects homeowner insurance costs. “We have a great fire department. We have a great leader,” Bthoon said, urging the council to recognize the department’s work.

The chief responded from the audience, thanking Bthoon for the remarks and saying he appreciated the support. “We have an awesome city. We have an awesome fire department and can’t wait for the future,” the chief said.

The public-comment period ended with no formal council action recorded on the derelict-vehicle complaint. The council moved on to business items following the comments.