Last Wednesday, a Beit Shemesh City Council meeting was held. During the meeting, budget allocations for numerous educational institutions were approved, and the financial report for the second quarter of 2026 was presented.

Parking Tickets: Looking for Ways to Help Residents

City Council member Tami Zusman asked to discuss the city's procedures for sending and collecting parking tickets. She said she regularly receives complaints from residents who receive tickets late, sometimes with additional fines and interest that increase the amount they must pay.

Following the discussion, it was agreed that the city's Collections Department would work to connect the city's systems with those of the Ministry of Transport. The goal is to allow residents to receive email updates, with a link to be published by the municipality, so they are less likely to be caught by surprise by late notices and additional charges.

In addition, the city's legal adviser was asked to examine what could be done to ease the burden on residents or cancel interest that has accumulated on fines.

Sports Fields: Cleanliness and Maintenance Concerns

Later in the meeting, Zusman raised concerns about the cleanliness and maintenance of sports fields across the city, particularly the municipal sports field.

Itzik Kanizo, head of the Sports Department, confirmed that there is a problem and said that cleaning the fields is expected to be included in the next municipal cleaning tender.

It was also reported that the gates at the sports field on Mar Ukva Street will be repaired as part of the next budget. However, questions remain about the ongoing maintenance of sports fields built by the Beit Shemesh Economic Development Company, particularly regarding drainage problems.

Zusman stressed that building sports fields is not enough. The city must also ensure that they remain clean, safe and properly maintained. She said she would continue following up on the issues raised at the meeting to make sure that the commitments made are carried out in practice.