BROWNSBURG – At its February 25 meeting, the Brownsburg Town Council adopted Resolution #2016-08, A Resolution Updating and Amending Certain Procedures and Processes for the Town Council Agenda and Council Meetings. It amends a resolution adopted in 2010.
The resolution, introduced by Ward 5 Councilman Sean Benham, did not undergo significant changes but does clarify and enhance some procedures. Language was added to confirm that Town Council meets regularly on the second and fourth Thursday of each month to conduct official Town business and administer Town affairs.
Language in Section IV relating to the conduct of citizen input that required residents to register to speak during meetings was removed from the new resolution. Benham explained that section of the resolution was no longer being followed and that it would require too much administration to carry out.
The most significant change to the resolution relates to citizens’ comments. Section II, item 5 was amended to bring all citizens’ comments to the beginning of the meeting, before any council discussion is held or action is taken. It removes general comments that were previously allowed at the end of meetings. The amended section reads: “An item titled “Citizens Comments Relating to that evening’s Specific Council Agenda” shall be included at the beginning of each Regular Meeting agenda. Those comments shall be related to the subject matter for that meeting only, unless otherwise determined by a majority of the Council.”
Town Council President Ashley Bacsu said, “Having residents make comments at the beginning of agenda items gives them an opportunity to make more of an impact. The council can have a better dialogue with the resident on that specific agenda item.”
Benham said, “While we didn’t need to make many changes, it was important that the amended resolution ensures that the council is following the rules set for itself.”
Residents who want to express an opinion on agenda items or other issues may communicate with Town Council members via email at any time. A link to each member’s email address is provided on the website. Simply visit www.brownsburg.org/council and click the appropriate member’s name. Residents are also encouraged to bring discussion items to the bi-monthly Town Hall forum, held at 7:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of the even months in 2016.
A copy of Resolution #2016-08 can be found on the website home page under “Latest Headlines” and on the News tab of the Town Council web page.
