Mayor Heather Colberg issued a public apology for not providing enough information on the Flood Mitigation projects ramping up in the community.
There has been a public outcry over the construction work that began at Schumacher’s corner, the corner of Riverside Drive and 5 Street East, where dozens of mature trees have been cut to make way for a dike project. She issued a statement via Facebook on Friday, May 21, to address the issue.
“Council is aware of the community’s frustration over the communication of the flood office over the past few weeks, and you have a right to be frustrated, and we hear you,” she said. “As your mayor, I want to say ‘I’m sorry, it is unacceptable the community was not supplied with sufficient information, and I should have demanded transparency sooner.”
She said the council has given direction to the Flood Mitigation Office to change this, and provide more information. She also ordered the office to contact affected landowners, so they know what is going on.
“Please understand we have to respect the privacy of these people, and as soon as that information is dealt with, these berm designs can start being released. There are also berm designs that are almost complete, and we have instructed them that these have to start getting out,” said Colberg.
She also noted the flood office has been instructed to respond to every request within 24 hours.
She concludedthe council would do a better job of holding parties accountable.
“I am asking for your patience and to give us time to turn this around. We are changing the direction, and you will be informed,” she said.
