Residents used the public-comment period to raise multiple local concerns, including requests for road repairs, a call to partner with federal immigration authorities, and a debate over holiday fire-truck siren use.

Jerry Bloom, who identified himself as living on Ferris Lane, told the board he has spent about three years trying to get Riverview Park road paved and said the street remains unpaved after his previous requests. He asked the mayor to act and said, ‘‘All it takes is 1 phone call,’’ when urging the city to sign up under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1996, section 287(g), so Shelton police could assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Bloom also argued the city should take a tougher stance on immigration and said participation in a 287(g) arrangement would bring federal support; the meeting record does not show any formal response from the mayor or staff to that request.

Kevin Hayes of Geyser Drive, identifying himself as an EMT and ambulance driver, defended the practice of driving holiday fire trucks with lights and sirens to gather children outside, saying crews take safety precautions and he has participated for 35 years: ‘‘The kids enjoy the license sirens...we don't put anybody at risk doing it.’’

Other public commenters used the mic to congratulate newly elected board members and to offer extended thanks to city staff and department heads for downtown improvements and brownfield cleanup efforts. There was no formal city action recorded on the public comments during the meeting; the board moved on to its agenda items after closing the public portion.

What happened next

After public comment the board approved routine minutes and proceeded with financial and administrative business, including the tax refunds, school HVAC assessments, a fiscal-year appropriation, an amendment to the cooperation agreement with the Shelton Housing Authority, purchase of five propane buses, and an appointment to the Trails Committee. The meeting later moved into executive session.

Sources: Public-comment remarks as recorded in board proceedings.