2/5/13 - The Genoa Township Board met Monday night and decided against adding a second âcall to the publicâ at the end of its meetings. All municipalities have different public comment policies and practices. In Genoa, individuals are able to speak before any action is taken on agenda items during the âcall to the publicâ portion of meetings. The board agreed to clarify public comment parameters and update meeting agendas. Officials say providing opportunities to comment on individual agenda items at meetings has generally been a matter of board practice anyway but since opening up every item to public comment could become burdensome and repetitive, it was agreed the board chair would retain ultimate discretion and âmayâ solicit public comment while moving through business items. Some questioned the benefits of having a second âcall to the publicâ since decisions have already been made. Others pointed out that there are also some individuals who will make the exact same comments, meeting after meeting about an agenda item. Township Supervisor Gary McCririe tells WHMI if members of the public feel they would like to address the board as items come up and they have something to contribute, the opportunity will be presented. Members did reach consensus about better clarifying consent agenda items during meetings to better help educate residents and others in attendance since those are rarely discussed in detail and typically approved as a group after previous vetting. (JM)
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