Joel Vanlin, a longtime Warren resident, addressed the Warren City Council during the public-comments portion of the May 20 meeting to raise concerns about the city atrium’s rental records and the scheduling of a parade.

Vanlin said he had reviewed atrium bookings for a one-year period and said some events were not listed. “When I got my foyer back, it was interesting that the swearing in of my son was not on there. Also, the use of the atrium by the gay parade was not on there. It's funny how certain things are being paid for and rented out in that atrium, and the mayor and her agenda is not. I have great concern about this misuse and abuse,” he told the council.

He also mentioned concern about an upcoming parade on June 14 and linked that date to another observance in remarks to the council. The excerpt does not show a council response or provide documentary evidence; it records only Vanlin’s statements during the public comment period.

Why it matters: public use of municipal facilities and transparency of rental records can raise questions about equal access and fiscal accountability. The transcript excerpt shows an individual allegation but does not provide supporting documents or a council reply.

Next steps: The transcript does not show any immediate action by the council in response to Vanlin’s remarks. The council may request records or follow up in a later agenda item, but that is not recorded in the supplied excerpt.