A few months ago, I began my quest to get involved with the East Ridge City Council meetings. It is very interesting to see how the council works.
I thought maybe if I explain what goes on during Council Meetings, more residents might attend. After all, we have a right to know how our elected officials spend the tax dollars and grants.
The first thing I learned was to expect the unexpected. When you enter the building, be ready to go through a metal detector. Pick up the printed packet (agenda) that covers the meeting information. I recommend getting to the meeting a little early so you can look over the agenda and the proposed new ordinances.
If you have any questions for the council, you need to sign in on the citizen roster for a chance to talk about your concerns. You are allowed five minutes to discuss whatever you want. Once the meeting and voting starts, you don’t have a chance to ask questions.
The Council Meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The Agenda Work Session begins at 6 p.m., followed by the regular City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting proceeds as follows:
- Call to Order
- Invocation (Pray and Salute the Flag)
- Roll Call
- Consent the Agenda from Previous Council Work Session
- Communication from Citizens
- Communication from Council Members
- Communications with the City Manager
- Old Business
- New Business Discussions
- Adjourn
Under Old or New Business you may have an Ordinance or a Resolution. An Ordinance means a piece of legislation enacted by a municipal authority. A Resolution means the act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict, problem, etc.
If your head is not spinning after all that, you chat with other citizens on beliefs and issues before leaving the meeting. I am going out on a limb here, but if more people don’t start attending these meetings, the City Council can spend City money on whatever they want. We have to show the City Council that we are paying attention and speak out when you feel the need to put in your two cents.
Please come join me at the next meeting. There is no one who’s stuffy and uptight. It’s a positive atmosphere!
_ Laura Mathis is a community activist who is the administrator of the East Ridge 911 Alerts Facebook page.
