The city’s boards and commissions meetings will now include a public comment section on agendas after a recent ordinance change.
City Council approved the first and second reading of the ordinance to amend the Code of Ordinances by a vote of 8-0-0.
“I think good government is accessible to the people and if a citizen comes in and wants to speak at any one of our meetings and functions they should have the ability to do so,” said Councilman Hank Dugie. “Some of our boards and commissions have already implemented something like this and have seen success in having a comments section for citizens - similar to City Council meetings - on their agendas.”
Providing an opportunity for the public to comment on issues they are interested in enables City Council and staff to better understand the issues impacting residents.
“This change will provide us with another avenue for us to connect with and receive direct feedback from the public,” said John Baumgartner, Interim City Manager. “We look forward to working with our citizens, boards and commissions to implement this immediately.”
City staff is already working with each board and commission to incorporate the public comment section to agenda. Comments will be limited to up to three minutes for city residents or other individuals who have an ownership interest in property or a business located within the city. Additionally, comments or discussion on statements made during public comment of an agenda may not be addressed by board and committee members if an item on the topic is not posted.