George,

I support expanding the public comment period to include two opportunities to speak on an ordinance. That way reading about the first public comment period in the newspaper (or hearing from others who are concerned) may help bring more people out to express their views.

If a change in an ordinance is needed within a shorter time span than three council sessions allow for, perhaps the second public comment period can be made outside of regular council meeting. It is frustrating to hear about an issue important to you and have no way to voice your opinion. Over the years I have heard many people find creative ways of speaking to an issue without speaking directly to it -- but it would be simpler to add another direct public comment period.

I agree with Joan [Fenton] that more public notification should occur, and it would be easier to have the ordinance displayed on the website, rather than asking people to find it themselves in the on-line Ordinances.

I am also a fan of the old-fashioned flier. Could City Hall post information where it could be read by passers-by?

Finally, getting the minutes approved faster, or putting them up unapproved, would allow for people to note whether their viewpoint has already been adequately represented or not.

Alexandria Searls (electronic mail, March 6, 2002)