By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
Bowling Green City Council breezed through its regular meeting Monday dispatching with routine business. They heard from city officials that they had no reports unless there were questions. There were no questions.
Only the Parks and Recreation Committee had any news. Council member Damon Sherry announced the committee would meet on March 18 at 6 p.m. in council chambers to hash out details about a dog park.
Most of the meeting was taken up by lobby visitations. Jo Ascunce of Citizens for BG Dog Parks Committee spoke of the progress the group was making. They will be meeting to discuss the initial proposed lease with the city.
She reported that the group is seeking non-profit status and getting itself organized to take on its responsibilities as a partner with the city in any dog park.
That lease, Sherry said, would cover any of the several parcels of city park land now being discussed.
He said that the actual location could be determined at the March 18 meeting.
Matty Sayre came before council to reiterate complaints he made nine months ago about speeding on West Gypsy Lane near his home. He said he was not asking that the 35-mph speed limit be lowered, simply enforced.
He questioned whether any of the members of council, police chief, or mayor has done anything since he last brought up the problem, and whether anyone has visited the area to view the problem. To his knowledge no plan to address the high speeds has been even discussed. No one from the city has contacted him after his initial appearance before council.
Mayor Mike Aspacher said Sayre’s contention that the police were not enforcing the speed limit was incorrect. They did patrol the road, but they cannot always be there, or at any other specific location in the city.
That enforcement, he said, would continue.
After the meeting, City Attorney Hunter Brown said that when he was city prosecutor West Gypsy Lane accounted for more than its share of traffic citations.
Also, during lobby visitation, Lindsay Jo Durham, as secretary of The BGO Association, read a statement condemning violence against transgender individuals.
“Tonight, I stand before you to condemn a pervasive and deeply troubling issue that continues to afflict our society – violence against transgender individuals,” she said. “It is disheartening that in the 21st century, when we pride ourselves on progress and inclusivity, transgender people still face alarming rates of physical and verbal abuse. This violence not only inflicts immediate harm but perpetuates a cycle of fear, discrimination, and marginalization that hinders the pursuit of happiness and equality for all. We must recognize that every human being deserves to live free from violence and persecution, regardless of their gender identity.”
She continued: “The acts of cruelty committed against transgender individuals are not only an assault on their physical well-being but also an attack on the principles of justice and compassion that should unite us as a society. It is our collective responsibility to dismantle the prejudices that fuel these acts of violence and to foster an environment where everyone can thrive without fear of discrimination or harm. In condemning violence against trans people, we must actively engage in conversations that challenge stereotypes, promote empathy, and foster understanding.
“Let us work towards a world where acceptance and respect for diverse identities prevail over ignorance and hatred. By standing united against transphobia, we can strive for a future where everyone is free to express their authentic selves without the threat of violence looming overhead.”
Among the items approved were ordinances authorizing the utilities director to move ahead with the clarifier improvements at the city’s Water Pollution Control Facility.
