11th hour is too late for getting real public input on Franklin's vision

I'm going to call this a distinctly half-hearted effort at public input by Franklin city administration.

Will members of the public be allowed to speak? Can the public respond to council members during their discussions?

From FranklinNow:

Council sets special meeting for Saturday

By JOHN NEVILLE

Posted: Apr. 14, 2009

The Franklin Common Council will hold a special public meeting at noon Saturday at City Hall, 9229 W. Loomis Road.

The meeting will address topics such as the mission and vision statements of the city, the roles of the mayor and Common Council, the structure of the 27th Street Committee and a possible replacement body.

Comments

[Scott Thinnes]

Since this is a Common Council meeting I don't suppose citizens will be able to speak; except during the citizen comment period at the beginning of the meeting, or, if the council should happen to suspend the regular rules during the meeting. I doubt if that will happen.

Since this is a Special "Regular" Common Council meeting, any of the agena items can be acted on upon proper motion, right?

Considering the topics in play here. Wouldn't the process be better served if these general discussions were held within a Committee of the Whole meeting(s)? That would allow citizens to attend, hear the discussions, formulate their own ideas and opinions, and then communicate those ideas and opinions with their elected representatives before final consideration and action at a future Common Council meeting?

[John Michlig]

Minimal citizen input. Very sad.

Count on perhaps three residents in attendance.