Elgin council changes format for public comment at meetings

Elgin City Council members now will be able to respond to people speaking during the public comment portion of their meetings thanks to an informal decision made Wednesday.

Councilman John Prigge suggested the change to proactively deal with resident concerns and increase transparency of government.

“We can sometimes respond if we get a phone number or contact information for the person, but I’m under the belief there are many citizens who are here or watching at home who want the answer to that question as well,” Prigge said.

Under the new practice, the city manager or corporation counsel can answer questions immediately if they have the information available. If they don’t, responses will be posted on the city website for anyone to access.

Mayor David Kaptain said he would also open the floor for council members to respond to specific questions or criticisms directed at them.

Councilwoman Anna Moeller cautioned her colleagues that too much back-and-forth with residents would take up an inordinate amount of time and degrade the intent of public comment, which is to provide a forum for residents.

“If we start opening it up to a dialogue between council members and staff and the public, I worry about that,” Moeller said.

Kaptain said public comment would not turn into a discussion-based forum but feedback would be provided when necessary.

No vote was taken to cement the new practice but it will now become a standard for the meetings.

The council also decided any members making a motion to table an item must state why they want to do so. Prigge requested this practice, which fits into the rules of order the council already follows, in response to a motion to table the video gambling discussion at the June 13 meeting.