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Resident urges council to prioritize public safety after firehouse closure and staffing disputes
Summary
Resident Sean Bostock told the Clarksville Town Council that a two-year closure of a firehouse, prolonged police contract talks and alleged aggressive behavior by a town employee show the town is "putting public safety in the back seat," and urged more proactive council action.
Sean Bostock, who gave his address at the meeting, told the council it was time to prioritize public safety. "Clarksville keeps putting public safety in the back seat," he said, and cited a firehouse that has been closed for two years and will remain closed for at least another year.
Bostock also criticized a lengthy police contract negotiation—"18 months in on a contract negotiation with no sign"—and urged the council to avoid reactive decision-making that leaves departments short of reserve equipment and facing daily overtime. He raised concerns about an employee, Rick Barr, saying he receives daily complaints about what he described as "aggressive behaviors" in multiple town settings and warned that the conduct could lead to someone getting hurt.
The council did not take immediate action during public comment. Clerk-Treasurer Stonecipher later noted staff and the chief are working on repairs and funding for Station 3 and offered to meet with council members individually about finance and operational issues; council members also spoke in general about neighborhood outreach and permitting for solicitors.
