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Residents raise ward-boundary, insurance, maintenance and Open Meetings Act concerns during public comment
Summary
Multiple residents used the public-comment period to urge ward-boundary review, complain about an unpaid insurance claim, ask about city property acquisitions and allege an Open Meetings Act violation while several called for Ald. Fritch's resignation.
During the public-comment portion of the Jan. 8 meeting, several residents raised distinct concerns. Ed Brumley urged the Council to consider shifting aldermanic ward boundaries to equalize registered-voter totals, saying, "Ward III has 1,087 registered voters, more than Ward I (756), Ward II (361) and Ward IV (430)."
Jennifer Rodriguez said the City's risk management policy had not paid her claim. Kelsey Mickiewicz said "Fritch should resign," and Louie Campbell alleged an Open Meetings Act violation and likewise called for a resignation. Keith Bellinger asked whether the city could acquire the property at 1501 Olive, where a counseling center once operated. Other commenters accused the Council of poor maintenance and said the Council "doesn't care about City residents."
Council members responded: Ald. Dunn apologized for shortcomings in the risk management program and suggested investigating other coverage options; Ald. Volkman and others asked follow-up questions about manholes, labor-management meetings and water deposits. The meeting record does not show any formal replies or investigatory actions taken during that session beyond Dunn's remarks.
