RCA Accomplishments: Two Opportunities for Public Comment Before a Vote
In the past, the Village Board would vote on an ordinance at the same meeting it was introduced. As a result, residents would not have much – if any – time to research an issue or raise pertinent questions prior to a board vote on an issue. RCA felt that residents deserved more time to consider a proposed village ordinance and comment on it before the Village Board put it to a vote.
Soon after we were sworn in, we changed Village Board policy and mandated two readings of an ordinance – once to introduce it for discussion, and a second time to encourage further discussion before a vote. This gives residents at least two weeks to think about and respond to an issue before it is voted on by the board.
– Mark D. Shevitz