FEBRUARY 6, 2025|
Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
This week, members of the Rawlins governing body deliberated on the most appropriate way to communicate with their constituents.
During a special work session held before the February 4th regular meeting, the Rawlins city council discussed communication flows. One topic of discussion was the possibility of holding town hall-style meetings to allow the public to speak directly to their council representatives.
City Manager Tom Sarvey explained that town hall meetings can be held in a variety of ways. A typical town hall involves bringing in a guest to speak on a specific topic. Alternatively, a town hall might involve a council member listening to their constituents. The city manager said city staff must understand exactly what the council means when they say they want to have a town hall-style meeting.
Sarvey said he believes that an advertised work session meets that definition.
The City Manager said that some members of the governing body have requested a town hall meeting and asked the council how they would like to organize those meetings and what topics they would like to discuss.
Councilwoman Tonya Lewman suggested holding a meeting where experts, such as Public Works Director Cody Dill, can review the state of the city’s water infrastructure with residents. Councilwoman Lewman said she also supports having the council members address their individual wards.
City Manager Sarvey said he would prefer to have the council members meet with the public together in one place. However, that would constitute an official city council meeting instead of a town hall event.
Councilman Derek Elliott mentioned that he would prefer a meeting where the council members, either together or individually, can discuss a specific topic and then open the floor to comments and questions from the public.
Councilman Steve Sanger responded by saying the council must be unified in how they address the public. The other council members won’t know what was discussed during the individual meetings.
Councilman Sanger said the council members must remember that they are always speaking for the entire council, even in public. The councilman said in his opinion, the regular city council meetings already function as a town hall.
Councilman Elliot suggested having the council hold a monthly meeting to discuss a single topic with the public. Councilman Sanger asked how the governing body could ensure that the public stayed on topic.
Councilman Elliot said he would encourage the resident to call the city clerk’s office and have their concern added to the next regular meeting agenda.
Vice Mayor Darril Garner agreed that the council must speak as one regarding city policy. However, Vice Mayor Garner said he believes the council members should be able to provide their own opinion on certain matters.
Vice Mayor Garner stated it is the council’s responsibility to amend any city policy with which they do not agree.
Councilman Sanger said the council members are free to give their opinion on policy. However, discussions about changing policy must be had in the council chambers, not out in public.
Mayor Jacquelin Wells ended the conversation due to time constraints and suggested they revisit the matter during future meetings.
