Mayor reports 36,271 tons of storm debris removed; union president calls for raises during public comment

Mayor Ellis presented an update on the city’s winter storm cleanup, reporting that 36,271 tons of debris were removed as of March 23 and highlighting recent groundbreakings including the Georgia Street Pump Station and a dual‑property hotel project by Southern Hospitality Services. He described federal advocacy in Washington, D.C., and noted that drawing certain appropriated funds (cited as a $7 million appropriation) for projects such as water meter modernization requires federal and local match.

During Citizens Participation, Robert Johnson, president of Union Local 2388, asked the council and mayor for a substantial wage increase for city employees and said the union lacks a current contract (he noted roughly 10 full‑time employees in public works). Council chair McFarland expressed pro‑union support but no salary action was recorded that night. Tyrone Dickens invited council members to a Friends and Family event in May at Chennault Park and urged officials to attend local events to boost participation.

Councilmembers provided district updates: Ms. Woods described a District 3 cleanup with more than 30 volunteers and announced an April 8 community meeting at Powell Street Community Center; Mr. Muhammad highlighted a ribbon cutting at a Community Wellness and Resource Hub, congratulated two residents on proclamations, announced the Georgia Street groundbreaking and reported the city has recorded 86 days without a homicide in 2026.

Why it matters: the storm removal figure and the water‑meter LOI indicate ongoing recovery and infrastructure work; the union’s request for larger raises flags personnel and labor matters that could surface in upcoming budget or personnel deliberations.