The latest city council meeting saw impassioned pleas from residents voicing concerns over public health measures and infrastructure projects that have caused disruption in their neighborhoods.

Sheila Minner took the floor to urge city officials to reconsider any mosquito abatement plans. Minner, who has long advocated for environmentally friendly pest control solutions, implored the council to abandon any plans for fogging this season. She emphasized the potential health and ecological risks associated with chemical fogging and encouraged the city to explore more effective and environmentally safe alternatives.

“I am not arguing for a lack of mosquito control,” Minner stated firmly, “but for a more effective and conscientious approach.”

In a separate but equally passionate appeal, longtime resident Jim Seaton addressed the council with frustration over the fiber optic installation project currently underway in town. Seaton lodged a formal complaint against the contractors responsible for laying the new high-speed internet cables, citing an incident in which workers dug a hole in his driveway without any prior notice. The unexpected excavation left him unable to move his vehicles, effectively trapping him at home.

“The lack of notice is unacceptable,” Seaton said. “Not only was I unable to use my driveway, but there was no warning, no notice.”

Interim City Administrator Eric Diekhoff acknowledged both concerns and stated that the city has made no plans on mosquito abatement and will investigate the contractor’s practices to ensure better communication and accountability in ongoing infrastructure projects.