HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.F.5. Revision to "Recognition of Involved Citizens by City Council" Agenda Item 111111111 Consent Business 4. F. 5.
SHAKOPEE
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: William H. Reynolds, City Administrator
DATE: 10/06/2015
SUBJECT: Revision to "Recognition of Involved Citizens by City Council" Agenda
Item (B, E)
Action Sought
To replace the "Recognition of Involved Citizens by City Council" agenda item
language in order to ensure that all citizens have the ability to be heard by City
Council with comments that are issue focused and do not attempt to have City
Council problem solve without the required proper public notice.
Background:
The current agenda language for public recognition and comment is as follows:
"Recognition of Involved Citizens by City Council - (Limited to five minutes per
person/subject. Longer presentations must be scheduled through the City Clerk.
As this meeting is cablecast, speakers must approach the microphone at the podium
for the benefit of viewers and other attendees.)"
The proposed language would state: "Recognition of Involved Citizens by City
Council - Provides an opportunity for the public to address the Council on items
which are not on the agenda. Comments should not be more than five minutes in
length. The Mayor may adjust that time limit based upon the number of persons
seeking to comment. This comment period may not be used to make personal
attacks, to air personality grievances, to make political endorsements or for
political campaign purposes. Council Members will not enter into a dialogue with
citizens, and questions from Council will be for clarification only. This period will
not be used to problem solve issues or to react to the comments made, but rather for
informational purposes only. "
The purposes for the revision is as follows: First, it provides notice to citizens
regarding the scope and time limitations for comments, and outlines the the proper
decorum for addressing City Council. Second, it ensures that lengthy presentations
are not made to City Council without notice to the public that such items were to be
presented. If a citizen wishes to make a lengthy presentation, it should be an
approved agenda item. Third, it provides notice to citizens regarding the interaction
they can expect from City Council. Trying to solve a citizen's complaint at the time
presented may violate proper notice and agenda requirements as it may not
provide other interested parties the opportunity to address the issue in question. In
addition, staff may not have a full understanding of the issue in order to present a
complete and accurate recommendation. Council may decide to bring an issue to a
subsequent City Council meeting as an agenda item if necessary.
Requested Action:
To replace the "Recognition of Involved Citizens by City Council" Agenda Item
language as outlined.