TO THE EDITOR:

I have heard some people say that they do not know what is going on within their city. In North Branch, we televise the City Council, Planning Commission, EDA, and Parks meetings live as well as replay the City Council meetings on a different day and time. We do NOT televise work sessions at all. Work sessions are when the majority of discussion occurs on issues that are important to the city. It is also a time when much of the information is given to the city council by staff.

I just want the citizens to know that I have tried twice to get the city council/mayor to televise the work sessions. However, four of the five people on the city council/mayor do not want the work sessions to be on TV.

Here are a couple of reasons that I have heard to justify not playing the work session live and replay:

• That will lock me into voting one way, and should I change my mind it will be more difficult.

• Concern that people will hear how I really feel about an issue.

If the city council were truly concerned about communication to the citizens, then live broadcast as well as replay would occur with the city council work sessions.

Additionally, one of the top goals for the city council is being proactive in regards to communication with its citizens. Were that truly the intent then why not broadcast as well as replay the work sessions? If you feel that we should broadcast the City Council work sessions please feel free to contact the city administrator Bridgitte Conrad at city hall. The phone number is 674-8113 and she can let the city council know.

There are many more issues that will be coming before the city council in the next year such as having rural citizens being taxed additional money for storm sewer, the affordable housing in ESSBY with TIF-give away money to a developer, for starters.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. My number is 674-5451.

Theresa Furman
North Branch City Council