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Residents raise permit, landscaping and clinic access concerns during public comment
Summary
Two public commenters asked the council for planning exceptions and described a new nonprofit clinic offering low‑cost care: Fredwin Brooks sought relief from a concrete requirement that he says drove up costs and prevents required landscaping and a dumpster gate; Dr. Jeffrey Thompson described the Saint Paul Medical Clinic's low‑cost services and funding model.
During the city’s public comment period, two speakers asked the council for help on separate matters.
Fredwin Brooks said planning staff required that a 40‑year‑old asphalt area be removed and replaced with a specified concrete mix for an addition at 727 West Feather Run, which he said dramatically increased project costs and left him unable to install required landscaping or a gated dumpster enclosure. Brooks said he had already removed half of the pavement and spent money on new asphalt but was told the plan required concrete. “I really have run out of fun because I was instructed on the plan to do a concrete filing, which was already asphalt for 40 years,” Brooks said, adding that the mix and specifications pushed his cost estimates from tens of thousands to more than $100,000. He asked staff to consider removing the hedge and dumpster‑gate requirement or to advise how to apply for an exception; the mayor and city secretary directed him to meet with planning staff (Vicky) for the exceptions process.
Dr. Jeffrey Thompson introduced himself and Dr. Myra Thompson and described Saint Paul Medical Clinic, a Texas nonprofit corporation formed in 2021 that provides low‑cost primary and women’s health services to households earning less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level. Thompson said the clinic charges a modest $35 visit fee that includes basic lab testing and that “no one is turned away.” He said the clinic does not accept health insurance and receives no federal or state funding, relying instead on contributions and assistance from the St. Vincent de Paul pharmacy for prescriptions.
Both speakers were told how to follow up with staff: Brooks was directed to planning staff to explore exceptions; Dr. Thompson was told staff would provide information on how citizens can get involved and support the clinic's outreach.
