Board renames Speak Up Brevard workshop to honor late citizen advocate Susan Connolly
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Summary
The board voted to name the county's Speak Up Brevard workshop in honor of Susan Connolly and discussed timing and staff review of submissions; the board emphasized staff review before any workshop presentations.
The board agreed to rename the county’s Speak Up Brevard (SEER) workshop to honor the late Susan B. Connolly and discussed timing and process details for the annual citizen-submission program.
Don (staff, speaker 12) outlined the SEER process: a January submission window, a 90-day staff review period to prepare recommendations, and an option for the board to approve, reject, or modify SEER proposals. A short video featuring Connolly (played during the meeting) highlighted her role in promoting citizen engagement. Multiple residents and commissioners urged naming the workshop in her memory; the board approved the renaming by voice vote.
Why it matters: The Speak Up Brevard SEER program is a chartered process for citizens to propose efficiency and effectiveness recommendations to county government. Commissioners discussed whether to hold a public workshop before staff finishes its review of submissions to allow citizens to speak directly to staff and refine proposals; some members preferred staff narrowing the field first to avoid topics outside county jurisdiction.
Next steps: The board approved the renaming and directed further discussion on the workshop date and format; staff will proceed with the SEER review timeline and return with options for how citizen presentations will be structured.