Multiple residents used the public-comment period to highlight community events, grants and local-business openings, and to press the commission on landfill planning.

Donna Stanger, volunteer manager for the Farm & Farmers Market, told commissioners the market will open July 12 and run Saturdays through Oct. 18. She provided seasonal figures: "In 2023 there was gross sales of $9,404, and of that $7,017 were in agriculture related sales. Last year, we had $17,568 in gross total sales... And of those, $15,585 was in gross agriculture related sales," Stanger said. She also reported $635 in SNAP receipts, $984 in Double Up program redemption and 2,730 attendees last season. The market is partnering with the Presbyterian Community Health to offer a diabetes recharge program that will provide participants with funds usable at the market.

Raymond Woodrider, a government specialist with the Eastern Plains Council of Governments and vice chairman of a Route 66 centennial working group, thanked city staff for helping to preserve a roughly $121,000 grant through the Route 66 commission and briefed commissioners on the status of a CDBG environmental review for a recreation-center roof project that was submitted for Department of Finance and Administration review. He told the commission the 10-day public-comment period for the release of funds would expire July 20, after which bidding could begin.

Candice Queen (introducing business owner Yvette Kim) announced the opening of a cannabis business on East Rock 66 Boulevard. The owner described plans for sales, education, production and a social-equity reinvestment program to train formerly incarcerated women for employment opportunities. She invited commissioners to an Aug. 2 grand opening.

Public works and landfill operations generated extensive remarks from staff and public commenters. The city’s public-works presenter said Wells Park work is nearly complete and listed outstanding items; he also reviewed landfill operational needs including tarping, compaction and the cost of a larger compactor and tarping system. Staff said planning-and-design costs could be covered through targeted grants and that construction could approach $1 million; they recommended starting design work now because grant timelines typically stretch multiple years.

Speakers thanked city staff and volunteers for recent events (Fourth of July parade and a golf tournament) and praised code-enforcement activity and parks improvements.

Comments were informational; no legislative action was taken during the public-comment period itself.