There are two opportunities for open public comment during meetings of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly — one taking place toward the middle and one toward the end. That could change under an ordinance being considered that would expand the first and eliminate the second.
The ordinance, sponsored by Assembly President Peter Ribbens and introduced by unanimous consent in the group’s consent agenda on Tuesday, Dec. 3, would increase the time allotted for “public comments on items not appearing on the agenda” from 20 minutes to 30 minutes and eliminate “public comments and public presentations” from the agenda.
That change, per the text of the ordinance, is because “the public has numerous opportunities to engage with assembly members,” directing instead to email comments or social media in addition to remaining opportunities to comment on the consent agenda, action items, or the remaining opportunity for public comment on items that aren’t on the agenda.
“These amendments aim to continue to provide a transparent assembly meeting agenda, eliminates redundancies, and ensures the people’s business is conducted in an efficient and effective manner,” the ordinance reads.
During the assembly meeting, several people spoke in opposition to the ordinance.
Nick Conner said eliminating the later public comment period would hamper “the flexibility and responsiveness that the current structure allows.” He said that the later period allows for a sort-of back and forth where people can respond to action taken during the meeting.
He said that emails, as suggested as an alternative medium of communication by Ribbens, aren’t published in the public record like a verbal comment during a meeting is.
“The public’s voice deserves to be heard,” he said. “Not just at the beginning of the meeting but throughout the decision-making process.”
The ordinance was introduced on the consent agenda without discussion by the assembly members. No members of the public spoke Tuesday during the period that’s on the chopping block.
The ordinance will be the subject of public hearing during the assembly’s next meeting on Jan. 7 — at 6 p.m. in the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers — when it may be enacted.
A recording of the meeting is available at kpb.legistar.com.
This story was corrected on Dec. 31. A previous version said incorrectly that the ordinance was introduced on Nov. 3, instead of on Dec. 3.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
