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Residents press Fayette aldermen for youth activities, clearer parking signs and a plan for feral cats
Summary
During public comment at the March 24 meeting, residents urged more youth programming, reported chronic parking on Morrison Street and urged action on feral cats; the Tree Board also received a Liberty Tree plaque and announced plantings next week.
At the March 24 Board of Aldermen meeting, public commenters raised three recurring neighborhood concerns: limited activities for youth, all-day parking around the square, and a growing feral-cat population.
On youth services, resident Regina Powell said local children and their homes are "broken" and urged the community to provide activities to keep young people away from negative influences. Aldermen responded with several suggestions: Alderman David Frees proposed organizing summer events in parks (examples mentioned included a frisbee tournament and a fishing derby), and Alderwoman Michelle Ishmael volunteered to join a focus group with representatives from local schools, downtown groups, churches and volunteer organizations to explore programming.
On parking, Marsha Broadus said vehicles are parking all day on Morrison Street near the square and requested consistent three-hour parking signage. Marshal Timothy Wells explained enforcement is difficult because officers have other duties and are not consistently present at that location; Board members suggested simple reminders and notices could be used as interim measures.
On feral cats, Bekki Galloway said the Tree Board received the Liberty Tree plaque and the trees scheduled for planting will arrive next week. She reported that Paws (a local animal organization) cannot trap cats due to limited staff but can loan traps and has funding for spay-and-neuter services if volunteers provide transport; she recommended amending the city’s cat ordinance to require a trapping permit. Mayor Stidham said the Council will review options for addressing the feral-cat issue.
Board members closed the item by emphasizing partnership with local volunteer groups and community organizations to coordinate activities and practical responses. No ordinance or city-funded program was adopted during the meeting; aldermen directed staff and members to explore further steps and potential partnerships.
