Title
Discussion: Alex D. Kelemen, Ward 3 Councilman is interested in using the Town Hall Council office area prior to regularly scheduled City Council Meetings to hold impromptu meetings with members of the public. As such, Mr. Kelemen would like to discuss the idea with Council members to gain their input and to determine how best to facilitate such meetings.
Executive Summary: Recently, Alex D. Kelemen, Ward 3 Councilman met with Mr. Schroyer, Interim City Manager and Ms. Roberts, Communication Manager to discuss the idea, logistics, and potential costs associated to holding impromptu public meeting sessions from 6:30pm - 7:15pm on the same night as the regularly scheduled City Council Meetings.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
Recently, Alex D. Kelemen, Ward 3 Councilman met with Mr. Schroyer, Interim City Manager and Ms. Roberts, Communication Manager to discuss the idea, logistics, and potential costs associated to holding impromptu public meeting sessions from 6:30pm - 7:15pm on the same night as the regularly scheduled City Council Meetings.
Upon review and discussion with staff, it was determined that no significant additional costs would be associated to such program. In summary, City staff would arrive at 6:15 pm to open Town Hall, place a sign in the front lobby directing the public upstairs. Then staff would meet/greet attendees and then direct them back to Council's office area for the meeting.
Mr. Kelemen suggested for those Councilpersons who wanted to participate in the program that a rotating meeting schedule be configured for two Councilpersons per regularly scheduled City Council Meeting.
Timing Considerations
Following Council's discussion and direction to institute such program, City staff will configure a draft 90-day schedule, provide the draft schedule to City Council members for their review, post the final schedule on the City's website, and then initiate the program. Staff suggests a target start date of Wednesday, April 16, 2014.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
X Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Following discussion, staff requests Council's direction on this item.
Submitted by,
Scott N. Schroyer, Interim City Manager
Jody Roberts, Communications Manager