Getting around was the subject of much of the Kent City Council meeting last night, with Kent residents addressing the council about the city’s skateboarding ordinance and the state of the Middlebury Road bridge.

Kent resident Jim Wyle addressed council about the bridge, saying that on Sunday a group of residents met to discuss the bridge, which has been closed since March 2003.

“You’ve got a bunch of mad people out there,” Wyle told council members.

Ward 4 Councilman John M. Kuhar said the city purchased a new bridge and filed a lawsuit for the railroad to get the bridge up.

“I guess, what more can you do?” he asked.

How can you get the court to move faster, he continued.

Wyle responded by saying he thinks the city should have been more aggressive initially. He said a lawsuit was filed after he complained.

Ward 2 Councilwoman Carrie Gavriloff said she attended the Sunday meeting. She said she was asked to request that a suspension be placed on all bridge projects until the Middlebury Road bridge is replaced.

The motion failed.

The council also was addressed about the city’s skateboarding ordinance, which prevents people from riding skateboards in the street.

Gordon Moss, sophomore architecture major, addressed council with his skateboard in tow.

“Basically, I don’t think that the majority of skateboarders are out to ruin the city,” Moss told council.

He said most are using their skateboards as a means of transportation. Moss, who said he has received three tickets, each costing a little more than $100 for riding his skateboard on the streets of Kent, said he doesn’t understand why it’s illegal.

The issue was referred to committee, and it will be discussed by council at a future meeting.

In other business, council members discussed the block party that occurred on College Avenue last weekend.

Ward 6 Councilwoman Beth Oswitch said she has a “real problem” with what happened.

“My neighbors felt extremely unsafe,” she said. “I had a kid — honest to God — throwing up on my porch.”

Bargerstock said hundreds of people were walking up and down the street Saturday, many of them carrying open containers. He said burnt couches still are sitting on the side of the road.

This issue also was referred to committee.

Contact public affairs reporter Katie Hilbert at [email protected].