Council Celebrates Athletes, Community Calls for Strong Leadership

The council heard a call for city support of Oak Ridge Cemetery, celebrated Juneteenth organizers, and approved new access for Prosperity Business Park. Residents raised issues from harm reduction and immigration enforcement to traffic safety, illicit massage parlors, and downtown business support. 20mins

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Original Meeting

Tuesday, June 17th, 2025
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Alex Rosen
Durham, North Carolina
As the Executive Director of See Gov, I focus on how to best achieve our mission of expanding thoughtful and consistent participation in democracy. I develop See Gov's technology, work to grow our impact, and find ways to sustain our nonprofit. I live in Durham, NC and make highlight reels for Durham and other See Gov pilot communities.
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In This Video
  • Mayor Buscher recognized the Jefferson Middle School track and field team for their achievements and proclaimed June 17th, 2025 as Jefferson Middle School Track and Field Team Day in Springfield.
  • Mayor Buscher introduced a presentation from the Oak Ridge Cemetery Foundation to be given by Alan Woodson.
  • Allan Woodson described the Oak Ridge Cemetery Foundation's volunteer membership and its mission to preserve the cemetery's history.
  • Allan Woodson highlighted that Oak Ridge Cemetery is the second most visited cemetery in the country, largely due to President Lincoln's burial site.
  • Allan Woodson described the Foundation's accomplishments, including restoration projects and annual public meetings to share progress and seek donations.
  • Allan Woodson noted that the Foundation occasionally receives significant donations, citing contributions from the family of former Alderman Bob Vose as an example.
  • Allan Woodson explained the use of a donation for banner maintenance at Oak Ridge Cemetery and stated that once the funds are depleted, future costs will become the city's responsibility.
  • Allan Woodson stated that future funding for the cemetery should be sought through the budgeting process.
  • Allan Woodson encouraged the City Council to view support for Oak Ridge Cemetery as an investment and expressed pride in the foundation, staff, and board, while Mayor Buscher thanked Woodson and urged support for the foundation.
  • The City Council approved a variance request for Prosperity Business Park regarding access restrictions to an arterial street, with unanimous support following an update from Alderwoman Notariano.
  • Alderman Gregory expressed appreciation for the organizers of Juneteenth events, highlighted recent celebrations, and invited the community to upcoming festivities.
  • Alderwoman Notariano announced a town hall for Ward 6 residents to discuss neighborhood traffic concerns following a recent incident involving a resident and their dog being hit by a car.
  • Julia Rosier raised concerns about ongoing activity at former illegal massage parlors, discussed broader issues of trafficking and sex work, and asked the City Council about regulation of closed parlors and conversations on decriminalizing sex work.
  • Aaron Cahill urged the City Council to take action to protect residents from unjust immigration enforcement and to fund community-based Know Your Rights campaigns.
  • Ken Pacha urged the City Council to provide reassurance to residents about safety concerns and emphasized the importance of elected officials demonstrating shared concerns and readiness to protect the community regardless of political differences.
  • Tom Raymond, a downtown business owner, described challenges navigating city departments and requested the creation of a dedicated downtown liaison to support small businesses and coordinate city efforts.
  • Tiara Standage, executive director of Intricate Minds, urged the City Council to address the criminalization of harm reduction program participants, citing violations of state law and the negative impact on housing and recovery for those carrying legally distributed supplies.
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