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Councilman proposes quarterly water Q&A after residents report brown water
Summary
Following resident reports of discolored water, Councilman Jeff Weaver recommended quarterly public Q&A sessions focused on water-system updates. The council unanimously directed the town manager to design a process for the meetings so residents can ask questions and staff can provide updates on ongoing projects and grants.
River Bend — Councilman Jeff Weaver urged the town to host quarterly public question-and-answer meetings focused solely on the water system after residents raised recurring complaints about brown or discolored water.
"I think part of what we're facing is a communication gap," Weaver said, summarizing feedback from an Oct. 22 resident meeting and noting that, while the town has secured "millions in grants and direct allocations toward a new water treatment facility," those longer-term actions are not always visible to residents dealing with daily water problems. Weaver recommended a quarterly public Q&A format so staff can explain what is being done, what is planned, and answer residents' questions directly.
Town Manager Delane Jackson told the Council he could work with staff and legal counsel to establish a format and schedule. Public works staff member Brandon Mills, who has returned to work with the Town, was noted as a likely participant in such sessions.
The Council voted unanimously to task the Town Manager with developing a system for a Water System Q&A special meeting in coordination with Councilman Jeff Weaver. The motion was made by Councilman Buddy Sheffield and carried without dissent.
Why it matters: Residents described continued day-to-day water quality issues; council members said improving two-way communication could increase public confidence while infrastructure projects and maintenance continue. Weaver emphasized the meetings would be quarterly and practical rather than a standing committee to avoid overburdening staff and the public.
What happens next: The Town Manager and the town attorney will draft an approach for the Q&A meetings, after which the Council can decide on specifics and whether to schedule the first session. Funding and operational details for any expanded outreach were not specified in the meeting notes.
