Waukegan resident urges clearer committee communication, requests 48-hour email response policy

During audience time at the June 16 meeting of the City of Waukegan Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, resident Rayon Elwin urged clearer public education about what the committee handles and requested a timely response standard from elected officials.

"I just really want to ask a question because I'm trying to really understand some things," said Rayon Elwin, who told the committee he attends meetings regularly but remains unclear about which topics each committee oversees. Elwin asked aldermen to hold town halls that explain committee responsibilities and to respond to resident emails and voicemails in a timely way.

Elwin asked the committee to adopt a practice that when residents email about issues related to a particular committee, the committee or responsible staff respond within 48 hours. "At least be respectful and give us a response back in 48 hours," Elwin said.

Committee members and staff responded by noting the meeting agenda is posted to the city website on Fridays before scheduled meetings (staff said the agenda posts by the close of business Friday) and that the city’s public-relations and service departments post program applications and RFPs online. The clerk and staff confirmed the agenda posting schedule when asked.

Aldermen acknowledged the challenges of reaching all residents through digital channels and said they rely on multiple methods, including the website and PR outreach. Elwin said he plans to attend future committee meetings to press for improved public education and responsiveness.

The committee did not take formal action on the public comment; the remarks were recorded as audience time.