Special City Meetings Offer Opportunity for Information and Input

While doing the League of Women Voters observing  for the record breaking, 5 and 1/2 hour City Council meeting last Tuesday, August 3, some opportunities for citizen information and input came up. First of all, the Council will be meeting  at 8 AM, next Monday Morning, (August 9), to interview four candidates for the interim City Administrator position; this of course occasioned by current Administrator Joel Walinski's departure for a similar position in Leavenworth, WA. 

This is an open public meeting, although there will not be public input during the interview time. The Council will be finalizing their choice at the Council meeting that same evening ( Monday at 7PM instead of the usual Tuesday, because of Tuesday's primary election). Their goal is to have the interim position filled early enough to overlap  with Mr. Walinski's last weeks here, offering an opportunity for some familiarization with Northfield's City hall operations. 

Also, on Monday, August, 23, beginning at 7 PM, the Council will hold a budget information and input session for citizens. The forum will be structured to both give budget information to residents,  and to receive their input/ideas on budget cuts  for the upcoming year(s). There will be a brief Staff presentation, and then individuals or groups may have 4 minutes, in an 'Open Mic' setting, to offer their comments. The Council may question the speakers for  clarification. Lastly, the Mayor will lead a Q and A session with the audience and Council, on specific budget issues. 

These are two opportunities to observe/participate in your local government process. Although it may be difficult to find the time to do so, it is advantageous for the City Council to hear the citizens' thoughts directly. It can make a difference!