Residents speak their mind at Smyrna public forum

Smyrna residents aired their grievances, expressed their views and offered their input at a special meeting of Smyrna Town Council on Feb. 8.

The sole purpose of the meeting was to hold a public forum where citizens would have an extended opportunity to speak.

Visitors turned out for the meeting, even though the area was still reeling from the major snowstorm on Friday and Saturday.

Eleven of the residents in attendance spoke at the meeting, which lasted a bit shy of an hour.

All members of Smyrna Council except Larry Thornton were present.

“We invite you to address us with your concerns or compliments,” said Mayor Pat Stombaugh as the forum began.

When Bob Novotny of Lake Drive West went to the microphone to speak, he turned and addressed the audience instead of council.

“I, like you, am frustrated with what’s going on – not only in town, but nationally,” he said. “What I would ask all of you to do is get involved.”

Novotny encouraged residents to consider running for council, to talk to their neighbors about running for council, and to talk to the people on town committees.

“Don’t be a part of the problem; be a part of the solution,” he said. “Do something about it.”

Bernard Williams, who said this was his first time at a council meeting, told council that the property next door to him at 33 W. North St. has fallen into disrepair and has been an ongoing problem for several years.

“I would urge council to take a strong look at that property,” he said.

Doug Roberts said there continues to be problem with drivers turning the wrong way onto West Mt. Vernon Street.

He asked that a “Do Not Enter” sign be posted on Delaware Avenue, so people won’t turn right onto Mt. Vernon.

David Pleasanton, also of West Mt. Vernon Street, said the town audit is due April 15 according to town code, but that has not been accomplished in the past few years.

He also said some buildings in town were not built to code, and asked if it’s mandatory for the town manager to issue a certificate of zoning compliance for all buildings.

“Thank you for granting our citizens this opportunity to have a voice,” said Melaine Minear, who went on to express her frustrations with the town government.

“Most often, after anything I or others have said, nothing happens,” she said.

Minear wore a yellow ribbon, which she said was to honor “all who came before in search of truth” and who supported the Constitution.

Minear told council she plans to file a “writ of mandamus” in Superior Court calling on certain town officials to explain their behavior. Specifically, she named Town Manager Dave Hugg and town attorneys Terry Jaywork and Ericka Schrader.

Among the issues Minear addressed were the munitions sale of the Taggart building, the “mismanagement” of the downtown streetscape project by Mr. Hugg, selective enforcement, and the accessibility of public information.

In addition, Minear argued that the residents themselves should decide the possible annexation of Belmont Hall. She suggested a referendum on the issue in the town election.

“I’d like to see our taxes lowered, not raised,” said Edward Lehman, who also argued that council needs to cut the town budget.

“How about helping people with low income and special needs? There are a lot of people in this town on a very low income,” Lehman continued.

“We have to change the way this town is seen by its own residents, residents elsewhere in the state, and even residents outside the state,” he added.

Lehman requested that council schedule another public forum in the near future on a day with better weather conditions.

Jim Strong expressed concerns about the town’s Charter Review Committee.

“I have great reservations that the committee has the qualifications to review the whole charter,” he said.

“Not much seems to be happening” with the committee, Strong continued. “We need to have a charter that’s more up to date.”

Mayor Stombaugh disagreed about the committee’s qualifications.

“They’re doing a wonderful job,” she said, adding that the charter is not something to rush through.

At the close of the forum, Councilman Tony DeFeo thanked residents for their input.

“I think this is a wonderful start,” he said.

DeFeo also echoed Mr. Novotny’s earlier comments.

“It’s your town. It’s your council. It’s your government,” DeFeo said. “Get involved.”

Next council meeting

Smyrna Town Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 16 at Town Hall. The meeting will be held on Tuesday due to the Presidents’ Day holiday on Monday.