Residents urge clearer public notice and suggest a temporary 'No Mow May' window

During the public-comment portion of the meeting, two residents addressed the council about local civic processes and environmental concerns.

Jim Stoker apologized for an earlier public-comment error and said he had not received follow-up after emailing the council. He said the city’s online agenda publication failed previously due to a filename problem and that relying on the Stephen County Times — whose readership he described as declining — may not reach enough residents. "Do we need to find a better place to announce them beyond that?" he asked.

The mayor answered that council members must avoid back-and-forth email discussions among themselves to comply with open meeting rules but assured Mr. Stoker that staff read submissions and use them to prepare for meetings.

Annette Watson, who identified herself as a Morris resident, asked the council to consider a short, penalty-free 'No Mow' period to support pollinators and fireflies. She noted enforcement of existing mowing ordinances can be difficult and suggested a 2–4 week window when the city could choose not to enforce certain mowing rules to encourage local pollinator habitat. City manager Blaine later noted the city typically does not take formal action on social-issue campaigns but said residents are free to use signs and other means to support such efforts.

Both comments were recorded during the meeting’s public-comment period; the council did not take formal action on either suggestion at this session.