Evanston Plan Commissioners say they want to streamline the review of new development projects.
Here are two modest suggestions about how they could do that.
Take a number
There’s nothing more excruciating in the current process than listening to the commission chair mangle people’s names as he tries to decipher their handwriting on a sign-up sheet. And then there’s the long wait as speakers amble over to the podium.
If you’ve ever been to a bakery you’ve seen the solution.
Have would-be speakers take a number at the entry to the Council Chambers, and call them by number on one of those illuminated "Now serving" boards. Everyone would automatically know when they were up next and should move the on-deck zone behind the podium.
Use a timer
Why should speakers have to guess when they’re running out of time? Why should the chair have to interrupt a speaker’s composure with a verbal reminder that time is almost up?
Mount a countdown timer facing the speakers’ podium. Let speakers see for themselves how much time they’ve got left.
But let’s be gentle — no gong should sound when time runs out.
Consolidation is another option
In many public meetings, speakers often repeat one or two points of view. While I think it’s important for the individual to have a voice, wouldn’t it be more effective to have a system where a whole group steps to the podium to stand behind an elected speaker on a particular issue? Even better if they can work together on a letter that one person reads, but everyone in agreement signs. Most people go before meetings like this with a planned statement – maybe an incentive for group statements should be offered (the right to speak earlier, or longer, perhaps?) While I love the degree of civic involvement we have in Evanston, I think we need to remember that it comes at a cost – these meetings involve either dedicated volunteers or paid employees, whose time is valuable.
Find out more about Brummel Park Neighbors and Michele Hays
Bill – I agree with you on the timer issue
Bill – the timer issue is important – all too often I have seen at council – when a speaker is favored they get more time – this is not fair – a timer would equalize this. They need to call by names – taking numbers?
On Michele coment – many times people will sign – up and go to the podium and make a short statement they agree with the other speakers.
Maybe we should ask the real question why are so many people coming to these meetings? Is the council or the school districts really representing the best interest of the community on issues?
I have been to many meetings with few people in attendance were more should have been at the meeting – one of my favorities is when the business manager in District 65 at a budget meeting said she could not account for about $200,000 of the taxpayers money. I was the only citizen in attendance – ( this meeting was in the mid-90s).
Bill – there are many meetings that few attend – you are only – thinking of the meetings were many attend such as the tower. citizens need the right to speak – period – some would like to limit their rights – but given the people in charge here are in the habit of screwing things up – they better listen – by the way over the years a few times officials have privately thank me for what I said – (Mr Who may not believe that!)