Dalton residents raise a $1,200 water bill and neighborhood safety concerns at public comment

During the public‑comment period of Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, residents raised two neighborhood issues that trustees said staff would follow up on.

Samira Almanza said she received a $1,200 water bill and believes meter reads were wrong. “They said it’s an estimate… I probably should have been looking a little harder, but I've never had a problem,” Almanza said, telling the board a staff member named Jackie is working with her and that another inspection was scheduled the next morning.

Later, Jacqueline Lyda spoke for a newly organized group she called the Blackstone 152 and 153 Hundred, representing two joined blocks on Blackstone Avenue. Lyda thanked trustees and asked the village to finish streetlight installation that had been left only partially completed and to address nuisance activity near two nearby businesses. She suggested traffic calming and asked for follow‑up so the committee could work toward solutions.

Trustees responded that staff would collect contact information and follow up. Mayor Ward indicated a staff person would meet with Lyda after the meeting to gather details and Trustee Steve said the village had paid for part of the street and would pursue next steps.

These remarks were part of the meeting’s public‑comment section; no board action was taken but trustees said they would follow up with staff.