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Council weighs town halls and a citizen-satisfaction survey to improve outreach
Summary
Council members debated whether to hold regular town halls, suggested focused subject-specific sessions, and some members proposed starting with a citizen-satisfaction survey to gauge community interest and guide any town-hall planning.
Shenandoah councilors debated how best to engage residents at a July 8 meeting, weighing recurring town-hall events against targeted outreach and a possible citizen-satisfaction survey.
Councilman Summerlin raised the idea in response to citizen inquiries for more time and levity to discuss local matters, suggesting focused agendas and, preferably, non-broadcast sessions "so they didn't become a show," and proposing starting twice a year or quarterly depending on response.
Other council members said town halls have drawn mixed attendance in the past and suggested scheduling them only for agenda items that warrant broader public input. One councilor suggested a subject-focused format with strict guidelines so meetings do not turn into a free-for-all.
Councilman Frank (voice) proposed a citizen-satisfaction survey as a less resource-intensive way to test community sentiment before committing staff time to a regular town-hall program. "They get scores...a scientifically valid survey," he said, adding that survey results could help the council decide whether town halls are necessary and where to focus them.
Members asked staff to explore options, potentially budgeting for a survey during the ongoing budget process and to bring back recommendations on frequency, format and whether town halls should be streamed. No formal action was taken; the council directed staff to return with options.
