I found it a little ironic that the MCC allowed public input for over 23 minutes without incident, no gaveling, and not cutting off after a certain ‘time limit’. In fact the MCC engaged them in conversation (GET OUT!).
First at regular public input, Jay Masur from MedStar talked for 9 minutes about fees. He even apologized for going 9 minutes, in which none of the commissioners responded. In fact during his testimony they had a conversation about his concerns (imagine that).
After Masur, a couple of rural residents did a planned presentation on a rural trail system (14 Minutes);
The MCC also engaged them on something that is important to the constituents.
The Sioux Falls City Council needs to take a page from the MCC on how important public input is, and that meetings don’t have time limits and to engage the public in conversation. Instead they get angry about talking to long, chastise them for being repetitive and don’t ask questions or engage them.
If the SFCC wants to learn something from the MCC it is about the proper procedure of taking public input, which in most cases should be unlimited.
I’m a proponent of merging city government into county government. It’s an answer for unconstitutional Strong Mayor Charter. The county has proven itself as responsible leadership with respect for of, by, and for the people.