Public Meeting Paper - Assignment Example

The meeting was arranged to explain new regulations and provide answers to questions about them. Most local government officials voluntarily select to seek the public’s input with regard to the development of legislation. The meetings I attended at the Tempe City Council in Arizona was aimed at accomplishing their core aim of giving citizens the opportunity to directly influence decisions made by the governing bodies. I came to find out that during the conduction of regular City Council meetings and Issue Review Sessions, they are broadcasted live on Tempe Channel 11 which is the City’s government access channel.

As noted by Sharp, Smith and Patton (pp.2-4) people tend to more readily accept government policies if they had a role in its development. The City Council’s public meeting serves a very crucial democratic function by offering the citizens with the opportunity to convey information to officials, to set up future agendas, attracting the attention of the media, persuade public opinion, and delay decisions as well as communicating with the other citizens. So as to ensure that the meeting goes on smoothly as witnessed at Tempe City Council you require utmost planning for the meeting.

First, determine the purpose of the meeting. The meeting was intended to inform, consult and involve the general public. The objective of the meeting needs to be reiterated at the commencement of the meeting in order to set parameters for those in attendance. Second, you need to create a relationship with participants in advance. The inclusion of diverse citizens who possess significant interest in the outcome of the meeting ensures that relevant information about the specific issue is not overlooked.

Thirdly, before conducting any meeting a draft agenda needs to be developed. The real agenda to be followed was prepared by the City Clerk. The City Council agenda are publicly posted at least 24 hours before the meeting. On that particular day, the Tempe City Council had the following in their agenda. (1)The miscellaneous items included: approval of Maryanne Corder Neighborhood Grant Program to the tune of $150,000 to home owners and neighborhoods; approval for the amendment of Magellan Health Service of Arizona; and finally, holding a public hearing to recommend the approval of a Series 01 in the government’s liquor license designated for Lipsmark LLC among many others. (2) Award of bids or contracts, such as approving the use of a one year state of Arizona contract with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for the acquisition of tires and tubes and award of a construction contract to AJP Electric to enhance the intersection at Broadway Road and Priest Drive. (3) Ordinances and item for first hearing which included the introducing and holding first public hearing to adopt an ordinance allowing partial abandonment of storm drainage easement situated near 2150 East Warmer Road. (4) Ordinances and items for second hearing. (5) Resolutions: adoption of a resolution to permit the Mayor to effect an agreement between the Tempe City and Slat River Pima Maricopa Indian Community as well as an agreement between Arizona State and Tempe Police Department to accept federal grant funds for impaired driver alcohol