The Lebanon City Council heard a litany of citizen complaints at its Monday night meeting.
Residents were upset by issues including a possible data center proposal, the problems with the now out-of-business Ice Cream Factory, a proposed new logo and a proposal for the city to take over operations of the YMCA at the Cowan Civic Center. The presentations drew applause from many at the meeting. Some speakers said Flock traffic cameras and the data center should be decided on by a vote of the people. The public comments went on for more than an hour.
Some of the speakers said the Council was not communicating well with residents and not listening to their concerns.
During council comments, councilmen responded to some of the issues brought up.
Councilman Jaret Scharnhorst thanked people for coming out, saying it took courage to come out and not just comment on Facebook.
Councilman Dan Mizell responded to some of the speakers who said council members are not listening to them.
“I try to respond to emails, we try our best to listen,” he said. “We're trying, there is never going to be a situation where anyone here is being bought off to do anything.”
Councilman Randy Wall said the council and City Administrator Troy Schulte have worked hard to get information out and wondered if there is another way for the city to get information out other than newspaper and social media.
“What other ways are there to communicate to be more transparent?” he asked. “I think we’re doing all we can do.”
Councilman Chuck Jordan responded to a speaker wanting a voice for county residents. He encouraged people who live in the county around Lebanon to call him. He said people should call as well as email since the phone numbers are on the city website.
