TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Heather Faust, MMC, City Clerk
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Review and Possible Updates of City Commission Policy No. 2021-05 - Commission Meeting Schedules, Notices, and Agendas.
Recommended Action
To be determined.
Background Information
During the City Commission Special Meeting held on August 6, 2024, the Commission provided the following direction:
Ø A motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner Langdon, to direct the City Clerk to bring back Commission Policy No. 2021-05 relating to meetings and schedules to discussion public commenters suggestions, at a date to be determined.
The following public commenters suggestions were made:
Ø Hold public comment prior to agenda item discussion by Commission.
Ø Defining process for placement of an item on an agenda requested by a member of the public.
Ø Defining process for denial of an item on an agenda requested by a Commissioner.
Ø Defining and establishing criteria for “non-controversial” consent agenda items.
Staff input:
Ø Consideration that moving public comment to before Commission discussion will eliminate the opportunity for commenters to provide comment based on Commission discussion. Frequently, public comment cards are turned in during Commission discussion.
Ø Currently, members of the public would need a Commissioner to place an item of interest on an upcoming agenda for discussion. Commission should consider criteria for items approved for placement on an agenda by staff to ensure there is not an abundance of items that Commission does not desire to discuss, same topics are not being placed on agendas repeatedly, and process for denial.
Ø Currently, Commissioners submit requests through the City Clerk who creates the agenda item. The City Manager determines what agenda the item best “fits” on based on timing, priority, and staff time needed for preparation. Items are not denied placement on an upcoming agenda.
Ø Currently, staff determines items that are expected to be approved without Commission discussion. Those items are placed on the consent agenda for approval.
Strategic Plan
Good governance
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Commission Direction
2. Policy No. 2021-05
Prepared by: Heather Faust, MMC, City Clerk
Department Director: Heather Faust, MMC, City Clerk