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Council clears consent agenda; public raises Midtown Commons tree‑loss and dark‑money concerns
Summary
The council approved a multi‑item consent agenda (accounts payable, public‑hearing scheduling, professional services contract for wastewater PLC replacements, board reappointments) and later heard public comment not on the agenda that included worries about Midtown Commons tree removal, childcare closures and campaign finance (dark money).
The consent agenda included approval of accounts payable (checks dated 07/21/2021 for $1,132,340.73 and 07/28/2026 for $2,103,523.24), a professional services agreement with Morrison‑Merrilee at a cost not to exceed $102,800 for PLC replacement at the wastewater treatment plant, several public hearing scheduling motions (Dixon Avenue vacation and Expo Parkway cul‑de‑sac), and board reappointments to the Parks & Recreation board. The consent agenda passed by voice vote unanimously.
During the second public comment period (items not on the agenda) neighbors and advocates raised separate concerns. Carrie Schreiber (Southgate Triangle) asked about notice procedures for vacation of easements and urged better outreach to adjacent neighbors and neighborhood councils; she also urged intelligent design to protect open space and trees in Midtown Commons. Mary Giuliani and other speakers raised concerns about dark money in local elections and urged transparency. Taylor Fontaine, participating remotely, raised concerns about police conduct and asked why a named officer remains employed amid litigation. Councilors and the mayor acknowledged those concerns, flagged upcoming public hearings related to vacations, and reiterated the importance of transparency and civic participation.
