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City manager previews change to community‑comment timing; some council members warn to preserve transparency
Summary
City Manager Scott Neal presented a draft proposal to relocate community comment earlier in the evening and hold it in chambers (not televised) with a standard recap; several council members urged waiting until an absent colleague can weigh in and asked that draft materials be added to the public packet for transparency.
City Manager Scott Neal presented a draft proposal to the Edina City Council on Feb. 4 to adjust the schedule and format for public community comment. Neal’s draft would begin work sessions at 5:30 p.m., hold community comment in chambers between about 6:40 and 7:00 p.m., and not televise or record that portion; the manager said council would receive a recap of community comment during the formal meeting.
Neal characterized the draft as one option and said he circulated it in response to prior council member feedback; he asked for council direction on whether to pursue it further. Several council members urged caution: Council Member Risser said she had received many emails from residents who preferred keeping the current format and objected that the draft wasn’t included in the packet the public sees online. Risser asked that the proposal and its slides be added to the public packet if the council plans to discuss it again so residents can review materials in advance.
Other council members suggested the council should define goals for any change (for example, accessibility, attendance, or operational efficiency) before moving forward. Manager Neal said he intended the presentation as a preview and recommended waiting until Council Member Jackson — absent for family medical reasons — could participate in the discussion.
Ending: Council did not act on the draft; members asked staff to return with the proposal on the agenda with materials available to the public and to include Council Member Jackson in the discussion when she is present.
