On the Agenda at the beginning of all City Council meetings (2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:30pm at City Hall on Church Street) in American Fork (and in most Utah cities in some form or another) is the Public Comment Period. This is a 20 minute segment of time with a limit of 2 minutes per person to address matters of concern which are not listed on the agenda. The following is Q and A on this process.....
Question: Why are we unable to address in the Public Comment Period, items that are on the agenda?
Answer: It is an issue of fundamental fairness and notice. Suppose on the agenda is an item regarding Nuisance Laws. My neighbor has an alleged (because it has not been proven) incessant barking dog and is planning to come later when that item is listed near the end of the agenda. If Citizen "A" gets up in the Public Comment period to complain about my neighbor's irreverant dog, my neighbor has the right to be there to hear and rebut presumably.
Question: What is the purpose of the Public Comment Period?
Answer: To provide a venue for citizens to discuss in an Open Forum their concerns.
Question: What can I comment on?
Answer: Any issue pertinent to you and/or American Fork City. It is wide open.
Question: Can I read my statement or comment?
Answer: Yes, but don't.
Question: What suggestions do you have for people who want to participate in the Public Comment Period?
Answer: A great question, if I may say so. The following are some suggestions:
- Come prepared. Do your homework by calling staff before, talk to people, check various public records.
- Be courteous. You attract more with honey than vinegar.
- Be brief. 2 minutes is 2 minutes (although not generally held too strictly). The spirit of the rule is to allow time for others to speak, be conscious of this.
- Don't necessarily expect an immediate response. Again this is a comment period not an action item. Oftentimes a brief thanks is mentioned or an assignment is given to city staff to look into the matter. The reason that a committment is not often made is that the lack of facts relative to the issue may give rise to a premature course of action which may not be in the best interest of all. Also a response in conversation may be mistakenly relied upon as a promise.
- By all means, use the opportunity. Step up to the mike and be heard.
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