From: Ted Godshalk
To: Public Comment
Subject: Public Comment from Mr. Ted Godshalk for March 7, 2023 Date: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 3:34:16 PM
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Public Comment from Mr. Ted Godshalk for March 7, 2023:
Mayor and Council,
Please provide for the widest possible dialogue at your meetings by asking the City Clerk or her representative to read all written comments aloud during the public comment period and for any other agenda items at your meetings.
There is no policy against the reading of written comments. Your Policy 104- Section VI Subsection c.2 allows for three minutes and “up to 30 minutes shall be reserved for Public Comment.” Please make time to hear from the public.
I suggest that if you have less than 11 people who wish to give comments for any item, that you have the written comments read to the same 3 minutes time limit you allow for those in attendance or on the telephone. All correspondence that appears to come as a “form letter” or that is repetitive in content can be summarized and noted by sender’s name by the clerk.
With more than ten people wishing to speak, the first group should be in- person, then the callin comments should be taken, and finally the clerk should note the names of those who have provided written comments.
The written comments also must be provided to the public both on-line and at the meeting, DURING the time the item is being discussed. With the current methods, we do not have any assurance the council has seen the written comments. Lastly, having the written comments in a public format only when the Minutes are approved is not enough.
I have heard many comments lately from the Council dias about communication, equity, inclusion, and diversity. In that light, you should all respect the importance of the opinions of people who cannot attend in person due to family health reasons, child care, elder care, work hours, or other personal reasons. These folks still want to communicate with you, with your staff, and with others in the community during a public meeting which is being held, as we all know, for their benefit.
I would like to hear any reasons you have for not making these important changes.
Ted Godshalk
General Public
Comment
(via email)