Residents urge Staunton council to study water fluoridation and strengthen comp‑plan language on lighting

During the matters from the public portion of the March 12 meeting, two residents raised issues for council attention.

Judd Banker, a Staunton resident, asked council to consider a study of the city’s water fluoridation program under a city code provision directing the health officer to seek cooperative research. Banker said nearby localities had ceased fluoridation after equipment failures and rising costs and argued that the city should review both financial and health evidence before investing to replace failed equipment.

Banker said the city had been without fluoride in drinking water for over two years because a fluoride tank had failed and cited an unofficial bid estimate of about $440,000 to replace the tank. He asked council to consider whether repairing or replacing equipment remains the best use of funds and to invite dental professionals if council pursues a study.

Barbara Whipple, an advocate on lighting and dark‑sky issues, urged stronger and clearer comprehensive plan language on "responsible lighting" and community‑friendly outdoor lighting. Whipple said the comp‑plan draft’s treatment of lighting was weaker than the input provided at public sessions and said stronger language would help the city negotiate LED streetlight conversions with Dominion and protect priorities across land use, infrastructure and recreation topics.

Council acknowledged the comments; staff and council encouraged written materials for follow up and indicated they would accept submitted documentation for council review.