While everyone has an opportunity to speak during citizen comments at City Council meetings, not everyone relishes the thought of standing up and speaking before a crowd. For that reason, Coffee with Council was initiated years ago by Councilmember – then Mayor – Jim Hodges as a low-pressure way for citizens to be heard.
Lowell’s First Look stopped by the meeting last Saturday to see what was on citizens’ minds. Here’s a look at who was there and what was discussed.
City and County Officials in One Place
Those attending Coffee with Council can expect to get an added bonus most months. Since her district includes Lowell, Kent County Commissioner Diane Jones she says she plans to attend every month if possible. She was there the entire time on Saturday to hear the local concerns and share information from the county. While she has a prior commitment for April, she’ll be back for the May Coffee with Council date.
Jones wasn’t the only county official at the meeting either. Representatives of the Kent County Parks Foundation stopped in to share an update about activities at Fallasburg Park.
As for City Council members, Jim Hodges, Greg Canfield and Alan Teelander all showed up to answer questions from the citizens in attendance.
Biodigester a Major Topic of Discussion
Of all the topics brought up by citizens, the biodigester seemed to generate the most discussion. The council is waiting for a proposal from LEAD about their plans for the equipment from the now-shuttered biodigester. In the meantime, one citizen asked if the city was working with Litehouse regarding how to manage their waste stream.
“I think everyone recognizes Litehouse is a key employer in town, and we want to help them,” Canfield said. The company, which is in the middle of a significant facility expansion, changed its plans after being offered the opportunity to divert production waste to the biodigester. Now that the biodigester has shut down, Litehouse has found itself stuck trucking the waste away at a considerable expense.
Hodges added that with 400 jobs hanging in the balance, the city needs to step up to help find a solution. “There’s a guilt and a responsibility on our part,” he said. “[The biodigester] was to be a grand thing and now we’ve hurt Litehouse.”
Streets Also Part of the Conversation
On the subject of streets, it was noted the Jefferson project is slated to start this spring. One citizen commented that at the current rate of repairs, the city would never make it to the smaller side streets. He suggested finding a more cost-effective way to shore up the roads, such as adding a top layer of asphalt rather than doing a total reconstruction when possible.
Council members said there may be some changes to the city’s five-year street plan, and it would be a topic for discussion at tonight’s City Council meeting. Jones added that shade is very hard on roads and trimming trees could help extend the streets’ lifespan. There was also brief discussion of tax options to pay for additional street repairs, but council members seemed hesitant to endorse any of those.
This and That: All the Rest
A benefit of Coffee with Council is the opportunity to bring up smaller items that may never be discussed in a formal meeting, and citizens took the opportunity to do so on Saturday.
One resident asked for guidance on how to address a zoning complaint. Another noted the council is planning to resume its work sessions with the various city boards. He added that he understood Teelander had opposed these sessions when they were held by the previous council. “[There are] so many things I ran on that I was wrong on,” Teelander responded.
Canfield shared Mi Hometown Furnishings is getting ready for their grand opening. Plus, Big Boiler Brewing should be ready for business early this summer and plans to employ 40 people. Its menu will include wings, burgers and similar fare.
To be part of the conversation next month, mark your calendars for April 1, 2017. Council members will be back at the Chamber office from 8-10am to talk to you then.
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