By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
While the city clerk’s office is still working out the logistics of having public testimony at regular Assembly meetings, comments from the public are starting to trickle in on items on tonight’s packed agenda.
City Clerk Sara Peterson and Deputy Clerk Melissa Henshaw are asking the public to submit written comments by 4 p.m. the day of the meeting. They are read into the record by Peterson when the Assembly takes up the agenda concerned, or under Persons to be Heard. There is also an option for telephonic testimony during the meeting.
All city public meetings are being held by video-conference during the coronavirus emergency.
Details for submitting public testimony are available on the city website, at cityofsitka.com, on the lower right hand side, under the “Public Comment Submission Form” link.
Peterson said she and Henshaw would appreciate hearing from those who have problems with the current system of submitting testimony. She said no one should assume it’s not wanted or available.
“I want people to know their voice can still be heard, but it’s in a different way,” Peterson said. “We’re trying to do what we can to still allow for that. We’re hoping they can reach out to us.”
If people want to testify spontaneously, the clerk’s office will try to make that possible, but advance notice is appreciated, Peterson said.
The meetings are open to the public, but during meetings only a few city staff members are present in the Assembly meeting room at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Assembly members and other city officials attend through the video-conferencing system Zoom. The public can watch the meeting as it is streamed online.
“I would like to have people there, in the audience, like in the ‘old days’ but we’re not there yet,” Peterson said. “We’re trying to create a path forward so people can testify, but we want their health to be a priority. ... The health mandates and local ordinances are in place for a reason.”
Those with questions may email the clerk’s office at clerk@cityofsitka.org or call 747-1826.
