Residents press Bay City leaders over bridge traffic, potholes and a contested animal rescue

Several residents used the public‑comment period on May 4 to press the commission about traffic delays near the bridge, long‑deferred street repairs and an animal‑rescue incident that drew social‑media attention.

Kay Moore (Ward 3) criticized traffic backups and shortcutting to the bridge, described poor local roads and downtown vacancy, and urged more active maintenance: "We need to do something about it... we need to start charging for these ships coming down our..." She also raised concerns about a ticket she received and urged more visible street work.

Dustin Kosick asked whether a turn signal could be added on Saginaw Street to reduce backups near the YMCA and said shortcutting through neighborhood streets creates a safety risk for pedestrians and children. He also asked how Station 2 demolition might affect local fire coverage and whether mutual‑aid costs and insurance impacts had been considered.

Kimberly Anthony and Kelly Cole described an incident on May 4 in which a black‑and‑white cat became stuck atop a utility pole in Ms. Anthony’s yard. Kimberly said she first contacted the non‑emergency line and that a lineman tried to poke the animal with a stick; Kelly Cole said she later pressed Bay Electric & Power and that the cat was retrieved the next morning. Cole urged a formal protocol between Bay Electric & Power and animal‑control and local rescue volunteers so future incidents can be handled with carriers and a coordinated response rather than ad‑hoc measures.

The mayor and city staff acknowledged the incident and said city electric staff ultimately helped retrieve the animal; staff committed to work on a formal protocol with animal‑control and rescue partners. Commissioners and public‑works staff also described ongoing pothole work: city crews are out daily and a delayed opening of plant operations had pushed back some planned work but crews are active now.

Why it matters: traffic patterns and street conditions affect daily safety and commerce; the animal‑rescue exchange prompted calls for clearer operational protocols between utilities and animal‑welfare responders.