QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING

The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on August 2, 1993, at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of City Hall with Mayor Knopf presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Tudor, Mr. Leary, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Salters, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Hare and Council President Christiansen.

Council staff members present were Mr. O'Connor, Mr. Lucas, Mr. DePrima, Chief Smith and Mrs. Green.

Mayor Knopf opened the meeting for public comment.

Noting that there was no one wishing to address members of Council, Mr. Hutchison relayed concern regarding the costs involved in holding the Quarterly Open Town Meetings, including reimbursement of expenses to Council and advertisement. It was his feeling that these meetings are poorly attended due to staff's capability of resolving problems and assured members that if citizens were unhappy with the running of the City, they would be attending these meetings. He reminded members that citizens have the opportunity to address members of Council during the Open Forum Segment held at the conclusion of the Regular Council Meetings. As an alternative, Mr. Hutchison suggested that an Open Forum Segment be added to the Council Committee's Meeting. Although there are several avenues available for citizens to relay their concerns; he felt that Council continues to place a burden on the taxpayers for the costs of scheduling meetings that are not necessary and suggested that Council discontinue holding the Quarterly Open Town Meetings.

Responding, Mr. Tudor stated that several citizens were in attendance during previous Quarterly Open Town Meetings and suggested the possibility of additional advertising. He stated that these meetings allow citizens, that pay for this service, the opportunity to address all members of Council as a whole.

Some members felt that the month of August may be an inopportune time for citizens to attend a meeting due to vacations and suggested that the Open Town Meetings scheduled for August be canceled.

Mr. Salters suggested that this matter be referred to the Legislative and Finance Committee for further review and recommendation.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:52 P.M.

                                  JANICE C. GREEN

                                  ASSISTANT CITY CLERK

                                  AARON O. KNOPF

                                  MAYOR

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