Anger erupts at Lebanon council meeting over YMCA, surveillance cameras and flooding

Residents warned that a City takeover could dismantle the YMCA community, condemned Flock cameras as a threat to privacy and accused officials of ignoring repeated pleas for help.

Watch full public comments video here:

Public comments dominated Monday night’s Lebanon City Council meeting as residents packed nearly an hour with warnings about the YMCA’s future, fears of expanding government surveillance and an explosive announcement of legal action against the City.

Several speakers praised the Council’s work, but the mood grew increasingly confrontational. Residents questioned whether officials had adequately researched their plans, accused the City of failing to communicate and urged council members to listen before making lasting decisions.

No decision was made that evening concerning either the YMCA facility or the City’s Flock license-plate reader system.

Residents rally behind the YMCA

Most of the speakers addressing the YMCA opposed replacing the organization’s operation of the Cowan Civic Center with a City-run recreation program.

They questioned whether the City could maintain the YMCA’s classes, trained instructors, childcare programs, summer camp, Special Olympics support and insurance-funded memberships while keeping its proposed program financially sustainable.

One YMCA instructor said the City’s proposal left unanswered questions about staffing, liability, professional certifications, music licenses and accommodations for current programs. She also said council members had not responded to an email containing questions she sent more than 30 days earlier.

Phyllis described her family’s deep connection to the land where the Civic Center was built and said the YMCA currently operates the facility far better than the City did in the past.

“The value that the Y brings to our local families, our churches and our seniors far outweighs the cost of their rent,” she told the Council.

Donna proposed raising the YMCA’s rent and offering another two-year lease instead of displacing the organization. A retired accountant, she questioned the financial logic of giving up rental income while assuming additional operating costs.

She also warned that seniors could leave for other fitness centers if the City does not accept insurance-funded programs such as SilverSneakers.

“We can’t live without Lainey,” Donna said while describing a popular instructor and the physical and social benefits of her classes.

Chuck called for the City and YMCA to work together during the remaining months of the lease. He characterized the City’s plan as a “shotgun approach” and questioned whether officials understood the YMCA’s financial position or the long-term cost of operating the facility.

Judy said she was surprised by how heavily the YMCA is used after she began attending following her retirement. She questioned whether a City program could provide the same quality and whether the City had accounted for equipment owned by the YMCA.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it,” she said.

Laura emphasized the YMCA’s experience managing pools and recreation programs. She warned that maintaining aging pool equipment, hiring lifeguards and operating specialized programs would present challenges for the City.

Sara questioned how the City could complete the transition between the YMCA’s June 30 departure and the proposed City operation beginning July 1. She said YMCA-owned cardio equipment would have to be removed and replaced.

She also noted that a YMCA membership can be used at facilities across the country, potentially drawing visitors who spend money at Lebanon businesses.

“There are 15,000 gyms in this town,” Sara said. “There’s only one YMCA.”

Barb, a nurse practitioner, stressed the health benefits of the YMCA’s senior programs and praised the professionalism of its instructors.

Mary described rebuilding her strength, balance and mobility through modified SilverSneakers exercises following medical problems. She said a standard gym class would not provide the same individualized support.

Jennifer said a medical condition prevents her from safely exercising in sunlight or regulating her body temperature normally. She questioned whether the City could retain instructors capable of serving people with disabilities, injuries and other specialized needs.

Charlene, who operates a fitness center with her husband, urged the City to consider how exercise programs help seniors maintain their balance and independence.

“One fall can change your whole life,” she said.

Flock cameras draw surveillance warnings

Other residents focused on the City’s network of Flock license-plate reader cameras.

David, a retired automotive technician, acknowledged that the cameras can help police solve crimes. However, he warned that combining information from vehicles, cameras and other systems could create a much broader picture of people’s movements.

He also disputed the idea that digital information is necessarily gone once it is deleted, arguing that data can sometimes be recovered.

Kyle said the City’s proposed ordinance addressed some of his concerns about how local police use the cameras but could not control what the private vendor may do with its technology.

He warned about “mission creep,” in which surveillance tools gradually gain capabilities and uses beyond their original purpose. He asked the Council to examine its contract and the risks associated with entrusting location information to a private company.

Another resident questioned where the information is stored and whether it is transmitted to Flock Safety. She said she did not want government collecting information about her movements.

Dustin, delivered one of the evening’s most heated statements.

He accused officials of failing to understand the company and technology before approving the cameras. He said the possibility of being tracked frightened him and warned that the system could be abused in the future.

Although Dustin thanked the police chief for being transparent and attempting to establish protections, he argued that local rules could not eliminate the broader technological risks.

Charlene compared the cameras to trail cameras used to identify and track animals. She said the community should be cautious about trading freedom for what she called a false sense of security.

“I don’t think of elected representatives as my leaders, but as my voice,” she said. “I hope you guys will listen to us.”

Flooding complaint leads to courtroom threat

The sharpest confrontation came when Dennis addressed continuing flooding on property he owns with his wife.

Dennis accused City officials of failing to respond to telephone calls, emails and certified letters seeking help. He said flooding had cut the couple off from acreage where they planned to build a business.

After directing criticism toward individual officials, Dennis was interrupted and instructed to address his comments to the Council as a body.

He then announced that he and his wife had filed a federal lawsuit against the City and presented papers during the meeting. His statement was an allegation made during public comments; the Council did not respond to its substance during that portion of the meeting.

“I didn’t want to have to sue my own city just to get a response,” Dennis said. “Every door I knocked on politely stayed shut.”

He ended with a blunt message to officials: “You work for us. Start acting like it.”

Mayor ends comments after nearly an hour

Jared enforced the meeting’s speaking limits several times as residents exceeded their allotted time. After the final scheduled speaker, another attendee attempted to speak but was turned away because the person had not signed up.

With the public-comment period already running well beyond its scheduled time, Jared closed the session and moved the Council to its next agenda item.

Later in the meeting, council members said they had listened closely and taken extensive notes despite generally not responding during public comments. They said engaging speakers in immediate debate could interfere with the public’s opportunity to be heard.

Council members also objected to the profanity used during two comments but reiterated that residents’ concerns would be considered.

Councilman Dan Mizell thanked City staff for its work on the YMCA proposal but said he would reserve further judgment until YMCA representatives could make their presentation. He also suggested considering a public vote on the Flock camera system so residents could decide whether it should continue.

Jared emphasized that the Council had not made a decision on either contentious issue and said the City would continue gathering information before taking action.