POLSON – City commissioners here recently adopted a resolution they hope will lead to better government communication and civility in public discourse.
Passing by a 6-1 vote, the resolution sprung from a commission retreat held to better acquaint and acclimate three new commissioners and the mayor with presiding commissioners to determine, “how to effectively engage the public and each other,” Mayor Pat DeVries said.
The resolution, which will be printed on future agendas and the city’s Web site, is to adopt “expectations to create an environment conducive to the civil conduct of the public’s business.”
As with most public comment periods at local government meetings, previous commission members have been deluged with input from a few people who often voice their input on a myriad subjects.
Commissioners say it is not aimed at stifling such input, but the resolution is meant to ensure civil discourse and encourage increased and diverse input in a non-threatening, productive manner.
City Manager Todd Crossett said such a measure encourages “creative solutions that focus on issues, not people, while not tolerating abusive communication.”
In speaking in favor of the resolution, DeVries said putting the commission’s intent in resolution form would give commissioners a form to model themselves after and remind them of their intentions both towards the public and each other.
“We want to stick to the issues and do the business,” said Ward One Commissioner Ron Boyce. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it doesn’t have to be personal.”
Murat Kalinyaprak, a frequent visitor to the public podium, questioned whether such a resolution was needed, adding that the commission “has the power to set the tone.”
Rory Horning, a second frequent commenter, said drawing up such a resolution at the commission leadership retreat was a violation of the state Open Meeting Law and recommended disapproval.
“The problem is we are not being open in the beginning,” he said. “I think this is a little premature here right now.”
Crossett stressed no public issues were considered and the retreat was held outside of the public venue “in a non-confrontational environment” to allow commissioners to gain trust in and get to know each other.
Local realtors Rick Smith and Tim McGinnis each spoke in favor of immediate passage of the resolution and said some citizens have told them they do not attend or participate in commission meetings because of the domination of a few outspoken individuals.
Ward Three Commissioner Elsa Duford, who voted against the measure, recommended slowing the process and asked to delay a vote.
“We’d all benefit from having a little more time and letting the public digest it more,” she said. “Let’s not get so carried away.”
But after more than an hour of deliberations, the resolution was passed.
“This is mostly about us,” said Ward One Commissioner John Campbell. “This is how we want to act towards each other.”