HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 9/14/2021 - Memorandum From Ginny Sawyer Re: Work Session Summary - August 31, 2021: Meeting Rules And Norms
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300 LaPorte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
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MEMORANDUM
Date: September 3, 2021
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ginny Sawyer, Policy and Project Manager
Thru: Kelly DiMartino, Interim City Manager
RE: Work Session Summary August 31, 2021: Meeting Rules and Norms
All Councilmembers were present for the work session. Staff provided background and potential
ideas on both remote meeting participation and meeting changes focused on public participation
and meeting clarity.
Remote Participation: Includes all meeting types
Councilmembers supported maintaining the option for remote participation outside of a
health emergency.
Councilmembers agreed that while members could participate remotely in discussion
during meetings, including executive sessions, only members physically present could
vote on items.
There was general agreement that Council committees should have the option of
conducting meetings remotely (with remote voting where applicable).
There was general support for allowing the public to continue to participate remotely.
It was noted that staff may continue to participate remotely as well.
Public Participation and Meeting Order:
Councilmembers supported allowing comments on all topics (general and
consent/discussion items) at the beginning of the meeting.
Preference that residents may still speak to items during discussion although there
was some uncertainty as to whether those who speak at the beginning of the meeting on
an item should be allowed to speak again on that item when the item is under
consideration.
Support for a voluntary comment sign-up.
Council was mixed and willing to consider only allowing Council and City Manager to pull
consent items.
Support to take any pulled consent items in numerical order during the discussion part of
the agenda.
Other Meeting Rule Changes:
Support to eliminate the requirement to extend the meeting by motion to take up new
items after 10:30.
General Thoughts:
Council shared their on-going commitment to allowing ample opportunities for public
input through comment, email, phone, and in-person meetings.
Strong desire to simplify ability to participate, particularly for anyone new to the meeting
process. This includes written meeting rules and procedures.
Note to be cautious of any perception of limiting public input and concerns were
expressed about setting an overall time limit for public comment. However, it was also
noted that managing the comment process is important and once those wishing to speak
have identified themselves, new speakers should not be allowed to continue to add on.
Note to be aware of influence on local policy by people outside of the Fort Collins area.
appropriate in meeting procedures and rules.
Interest in trying new approaches to see how well they work and adjust as needed.
Next Steps:
The ability to pull consent items is the main mechanism discussed that requires a Code
change (with some tweaking to address remote voting for committees). Staff
recommends bringing the Code changes first to allow for updating the meeting rules
(Resolution) accurately.
Staff will work on developing a voluntary online public comment registration tool.