A Twist: Residents Go To Council Meeting with Gifts, Thanks

A few months ago, a group of residents from Glenwood Lane went to a City Council meeting with a gripe: 

Their street was a mess, they said -- filled with ruts and holes.

On Monday, the residents returned, in an unusual move that left city officials smiling.

"We asked a few months ago for help with our street," Gayle Zevchik told council. "Lo and behold, a few days later, they were out on the street, measuring."

Soon crews were out resurfacing the street.

"We want to present you with a small thank-you gift because our street looks beautiful now," said Zevchik, who was there with her husband, Rick, and neighbors Terry Roberts and Walid Nasser. "There are no bumps, no holes. It's a pleasure to drive down the street."

They presented city officials with a gift basket from Olympia Candies and baked goods.

The residents also said the work crews from 880 Construction in Brunswick were friendly, courteous and cleaned up the site every day.

Council members said they would share the treats with the Service Department workers who helped with the street and later thanked the residents for returning.

The neighbors were surprised their visit was unusual.

"People complain and get something done -- you should say thank you," Nasser said.