In Focus
On average, I cover three city council meetings, two school boards and commissioner meetings that equate to eight meetings per month, give or take, depending on special meetings that are held. I have been covering various entities for nine years. Needless to say, I have learned much about the operation, rules, laws and general decorum of a meeting.
It seems there is always a council or board that has issues and the discussion gets way off track and the meeting turns into coffee hour. Sometimes they don’t follow the rules or abide by the law. Or my “favorite”...revisiting the same issue over and over without any decisions or actions being made. Some of these meetings go on for hours for no good reason.
Here are some issues I’ve come across that irk me. The main one being the Open Meeting Law—it is not optional—it is the law! A council or board can’t close a meeting because they feel like it, they can’t have an unscheduled quorum and there have been other issues. This law is to protect both the government entity and the public. It really makes you wonder why a small town council would feel the need to sneak around...like what are you hiding? It’s small towns, so, of course, I’m going to hear about it. Transparency is very important.
Another issue is why bother having an ordinance if you don’t follow it? Nuisance properties is the main issue I’m speaking of. There is a plethora of reasons why someone’s property may become a nuisance. These people need to speak with the council should they be notified they need to clean up their yard and there is an issue. Some councils send these people letter after letter and nothing ever happens. It gets to the point the letters are ignored because they know nothing will ever come of it. This has happened more times than I can count at different councils. It often boils down to an abatement process to have the yard cleaned up and the owners charged the fees and fines. But in some instances the council is afraid of spending money to start the process or afraid of making people mad.
Then why are you on a council if you are afraid of irritating someone? You are supposed to represent the city and what’s in the best interest of the residents, not your own personal interests.
Time and again people have been let down by councils not taking action on the issues. Nuisance issues can create many problems from property values decreasing to potential bug and rodent infestations. It’s also the resident’s responsibility to abide by the city ordinance. You chose to live in town, then you must follow the rules. We have rules for a reason.
There is decorum for every meeting. If you’re a visitor, you are there to observe. The city/county/school board is there to conduct business, not to make small talk. If you have a question, you are to raise your hand to be heard, not constantly chime in and interrupt. This is what causes meetings to drag on. And please don’t sit in the audience and have your own conversations while the meeting is being conducted. Councils need to reiterate decorum rules at the meetings and follow them. Use the gavel if needed and take charge of your meeting. Warn the person that is constantly interrupting and if they don’t stop, ask them to leave.
In some instances there is a topic that needs a longer discussion period or there is a presentation that is lengthy. Meetings are not held to chit chat or to indulge in an open forum. Councils need to get down to business and run their meetings in a smooth and orderly fashion.
Another issue I see (or don’t see) is utilizing committees. Committees are designed to discuss topics in-depth and then bring a recommendation to the full board.
Agendas are another issue. Members should review the agenda before the meeting begins and ask for details and clarification before the meeting.
If you want to be heard concerning an issue you are experiencing, contact your city clerk and get placed on the agenda.
Also, we the people vote in council and board members...we can also replace them.
In this editorial, I am referring to various councils and issues from over the years. Change needs to happen, and not just talking about it. Action is needed. Sometimes we need new ideas, new perspectives and individuals who will take action on these ongoing issues.
Maybe I need to do more then just relay my observations and experiences. Maybe I should practice what I preach. How about Trinity for Hewitt City Council 2023?