Resident criticizes councilman for clearing closed courts; parking and trash concerns raised

During the open public-comment period, resident Tracy Unangst told the council that Councilman Matteo had made social-media comments about fixing the basketball courts and a proposed skate park and also cleared snow from courts that were closed, creating a liability. According to the minutes, "Ms. Unangst also stated Mr. Matteo went up and cleared snow off the closed basketball courts that were not authorized for him to do so and has created a liability." Matteo responded in council and "admitted he was wrong and all he wanted to do was for kids to have somewhere to play basketball," and Mayor Cox admonished him to avoid unauthorized borough work.

Resident Tristen Lafaria said he had observed increased garbage in an alley adjacent to Ohana restaurant, including a discarded baby carriage and overflowing cans, and raised concern about parking enforcement after receiving a ticket in the Midtown lot where he has parked for five years. Manager Bond said overnight permits are required and that enforcement had not been strongly applied previously but is now being enforced; council discussed permit availability and festival-related lot closures. A third resident, Rob Mitchell, inquired about new street signs. The council closed public comment after hearing these concerns and council members offered responses and thanks to attendees.