From:Joanne Schultz
To:City Council; Jorge Garcia
Subject:Re: May 7 City Council Agenda Item 12.B Residential Sidewalk Policy and Change to Hybrid Meetings to remove public comment
Date:Tuesday, May 7, 2024 10:57:23 AM
External Email
I am writing in support of changes to the residential sidewalk policy, discussed in agenda item #12.B to include criteria to add sidewalks only when 50% or more of the street has existing sidewalks. I live in what the staff report describes as “Old Shell Beach” where there is not room to add sidewalks and it makes sense to revise the requirements to address this reality. I encourage the Council and City Staff to work out the items needing clarification pragmatically. None seems significant enough to derail the proposed change in policy.
I had planned to submit these comments tonight via Zoom, but discovered that option has mysteriously disappeared as of April 5. It is my understanding that this decision was made by the Council because of recent incidents of Zoom bombing, ironically without public discussion or comment.
Public participation in meetings has increased due to the Zoom commenting option and I consider it to be one of the positive developments of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Also, Councilmembers have been able to participate remotely via Zoom. Was this policy also changed, or is it just the public that is now prevented from remote participation?
While I understand that Zoom disruptions make meeting operations more difficult for City Staff, you seem to be a very capable bunch that could come up with another solution. If not, I will gladly endure such disruptions to increase meeting accessibility and participation by the public. I urge you to restore the option for Zoom public comment.
Best regards,
Joanne Schultz
Shell Beach