During a recent city council meeting, the council members convened to discuss various agenda items, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and attendance. Councilor Garibay was noted as excused due to an out-of-town commitment, leaving six of the seven council members present.
The council approved the agenda unanimously, and the floor was opened for public comments on non-agenda items. However, no written comments were submitted, and only one resident, Michelle McSorley from Centralia, stepped forward to speak.
McSorley shared her personal experiences living at the Salvation Army and expressed concerns about the treatment of vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those struggling with addiction. She highlighted issues such as inadequate supervision and support for residents, the need for more empathetic management, and the challenges faced by individuals trying to navigate the system. McSorley emphasized the importance of addressing these systemic issues to improve conditions for those in need, particularly the elderly and disabled.
After her remarks, the council members acknowledged her concerns and encouraged her to provide further contact information for follow-up discussions. The meeting concluded with a heartfelt farewell to Councilor Cameron McGee, marking his last night of service on the city council.