The workshop highlighted residents’ frustrations with the project, which has been ongoing since January 2022 and is anticipated to complete by October 2026. Commissioner Judy Tender, who called for the workshop, shared several resident complaints, emphasizing issues such as blocked driveways by heavy equipment, causing residents to miss appointments. She underscored the need for improved communication, stating, “There should be a clear line of communication for y’all during a project where you can get to the city or get to somebody who’s a contact with the city so you can be heard.”

Residents like Haley King echoed these frustrations, presenting a timeline documenting the disruption caused by the construction. King noted that her property restoration, expected within 30 days, took over six months and emphasized the broader implications of inadequate communication and transparency. Another resident, Zach, questioned the project’s management, particularly regarding unexpected challenges like soil conditions and the integrity of old pipes, seeking clarification on the project’s design and funding.

The city commission acknowledged these concerns, with suggestions for improvement, such as conducting workshops at the project’s outset to outline scopes clearly to residents. Communication methods like newsletters and mailers were proposed to keep residents informed proactively rather than relying on reactive measures. Commissioner Warick stressed the need for improved communication to address property impacts during construction.

Residents also criticized the quality of repairs, with Commissioner Tender arguing that driveways originally made of cement should be restored with the same material, not asphalt, to ensure durability and fairness. The need for better oversight of contractors was emphasized, with a call for policies requiring regular checks on contractor work and holding them accountable for any damage.

The meeting further addressed broader issues of project management and accountability. Some residents and officials suggested hiring professional project managers for large-scale projects to mitigate miscommunication and contractor disputes. They argued that having dedicated project managers could streamline processes, enhance accountability, and prevent costly change orders due to errors or oversight.

Concerns about the city’s procurement structure were raised, highlighting the risks of having too much responsibility resting on a single individual. The potential for a “single point of failure” was discussed, with calls for additional staffing to support procurement and project management, despite the city’s ongoing budget crisis revealing a $6 million deficit.

Residents also expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of visibility and engagement from the city’s public information officer (PIO). Innovative communication strategies, like using QR codes on signage during projects, were proposed to facilitate community reporting and enhance transparency.