By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
One of the first major debate items the Northfield City Council has taken on in the new year, is the best way to hear and address public feedback at council meetings. The previous council had shifted to having a 20-minute listening session at the start. However, at the January 7th council meeting, Councilor Brad Ness described the listening sessions as a “total failure,” Councilor Kathleen Holmes stated that the council has been inconsistent in how the listening sessions are conducted.
Different ideas were proposed, including reformatting part of the city council meeting, hosting regular town hall sessions, and other ideas. Ultimately, the council decided to keep the current system as the discussed future plans. Mayor Erica Zweifel encouraged anyone interested in speaking at the council meetings to sign up in advance to help the city best prepare:
“If folks can get their questions and comments in so that we know it’s coming, we can have the staff there that will answer the question. We can be prepared as counselors to engage in a dialogue. And hopefully, have that two-way conversation that everyone is craving and wants.” – Northfield Mayor Erica Zweiefel on the KYMN Morning Show
To comment at the listening session and have staff prepared, sign up on the city’s website by noon on Monday before the meeting. You may also sign up in person for the meeting.
One item that everyone agreed to was a shift in when city documents are posted. Currently, the agenda and accompanying documents for City Council meetings are posted on the Fridays before the council meeting. After discussions with the Mayor, City staff agreed to move up posting the agenda to Wednesdays. This will allow for City Councilors and the public to have more time to read through each meeting packet and provide time for City Staff to answer questions or better prepare for debate at each meeting.
The next city council meeting is on Tuesday at 6pm.
