Democracy, equity, sunshine, open government, and, well, me (and you), all get to score a point today! And when you see the city clerk, tell her (and whomever helped make this decision) thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I know, I know, seems silly to get all excited about something so basic, but you should rejoice too . . . there will be 50% less Mo’ Meetings posts AND complaining . . . by me!!!!!
(well, on this one topic. don’t get too excited.)
From: Witzel-Behl, Maribeth
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2016 4:54 PM
To: All Alders
Subject: FW: Adequate Notice of Committee MeetingsGood afternoon, Alders.
As of July 1, the City Clerk’s Office will no longer accept committee agendas that are submitted within 48 hours of a meeting. The e-mail message below was sent to committee staff this afternoon.
– Maribeth
From: Witzel-Behl, Maribeth
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2016 4:46 PM
To: Committee Staff List
Cc: CL GROUP
Subject: Adequate Notice of Committee MeetingsGood afternoon, committee staff.
The City Clerk’s Office procedures for posting committee agendas will be changing, effective July 1.
Like many of you, we are examining our procedures through an equity lens, asking whether our practices and procedures create a society in which all Madison residents can participate. We have determined that the posting of a committee agenda within 48 hours of a meeting is an inequitable practice because it prevents Madison residents from participating if they need to make prior arrangements for transportation, childcare, or time off from work.
This is counter to the mission of the City Clerk’s Office: We exist to assist. Our team serves to provide equitable access to open government by promoting the inclusion and full participation of all residents in the democratic process.
We have obtained approval from Mayor Soglin to change our procedures to require posting agendas at least 48 hours in advance of a meeting. We realize you may need time to adjust your deadlines and schedules, so this change will be effective July 1, 2016. Please note that Saturdays and Sundays are not part of the 48-hour notice period, so agendas for meetings to be held on Mondays will need to be submitted to the Clerk’s Office the Thursday before the meeting takes place.
As always, if you need assistance with Legistar or the legislative process, please do not hesitate to contact the City Clerk’s Office. Thank you for working with us to ensure that all of our residents are given equitable access to the democratic process.
Maribeth Witzel-Behl
Madison City Clerk
WI Certified Professional ClerkWe exist to assist.
Office address: 210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd #103, Madison WI 53703
Telephone: 608-266-4601
Online: www.cityofmadison.com/clerk, http://www.cityofmadison.com/election
Twitter: @MadisonWIClerk
(ok, that is all, back to work.)
