During a recent city council meeting in Waterloo, residents voiced significant concerns regarding local issues, including police conduct, public transportation changes, homelessness, and poverty awareness.

One resident raised allegations against Derek Mayweather Holmes, a former representative involved in the DARE program, claiming he intimidated his son and provided misleading information. The speaker expressed frustration over perceived police complicity in local issues, suggesting a broader problem with law enforcement in the community.

Brian Detmer, a resident, presented a petition with 179 signatures opposing the recent changes to the bus system. He highlighted that the new staggered bus schedules have led to longer wait times and increased travel durations for riders, particularly affecting those needing to reach downtown and other key locations.

Concerns about homelessness were also prominent, with a resident detailing ongoing issues with encampments near her home. She reported that despite multiple police visits, the situation remains unresolved, raising fears about property values and public health. The mayor responded by outlining efforts to form a homeless task force aimed at creating a strategic plan to address homelessness in the city, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.

Additionally, a local resident announced plans for the first Blackhawk County Day for the Eradication of Poverty, aimed at raising awareness about poverty in the area. The event will feature discussions and presentations focused on the challenges faced by those living in poverty, with hopes of fostering community engagement and solutions.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude towards the council members for their service amidst public criticism, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by local leaders in addressing community concerns.