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Residents urge restored library funding and call for protection of transgender residents
Summary
During public comment Martin Bridal, library board financial secretary, asked the council to return funds removed from the library budget and to fund part-time security; Holly McDormand urged recognition of Transgender Awareness Month and raised threats against transgender residents, asking for city leadership and services.
During the public-comment period two speakers pressed the council on social and budgetary issues.
Martin Bridal, financial secretary for the library board, said the library "was built without local taxpayer dollars" and asked the council to return funds removed from the library budget so the board can hire a part-time security person to keep staff safe from homeless or vagrant activity on library property.
Holly McDormand, a 6th Ward resident, read a statement noting that "this month is Transgender Awareness Month" and said members of the transgender community face threats and violence locally. McDormand recounted an online post threatening her daughter and urged council to support services the community needs, including shelters and the community center.
Mayor Schwartzman cut public comment at three minutes per speaker after McDormand's remarks. Council members later referenced the public comments during closing remarks and encouraged voter participation ahead of the election.
