The Pueblo West Metropolitan District Board of Directors are making some important changes to their regular meetings.
Starting with the first meeting in August on Monday, Aug. 14, board meetings will begin at 6 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. The meetings will continue to be held every second and fourth Monday of each month.
Additionally, to get more public input, the Board has added a second public comment period that will take place towards the end of each meeting. Currently, there is only one public comment period before each meeting.
“The Board’s stated purpose in enacting these changes is to increase public involvement,” said Anthony Sandstrom, Metro District Public Information Officer. “Starting the meeting at 6 p.m. accommodates many residents’ working schedules, and the additional public comment period gives people another chance to express their opinions and ideas after the Board has discussed a topic that could result in future action.”
The following changes to Board meeting protocol will begin in August:
- Meetings will now begin at 6 p.m. instead of 5 p.m.
- The executive session will take place after the regular meeting, unlike before, when it took place at approximately 4 p.m.
- An invocation will be included in each meeting.
- A second public comment period will be held after all discussion items on the agenda. This provides a chance to talk about topics that the Board would most likely be voting upon at their next meeting.
If you’re interested in participating in the public comment sessions before or during Board meetings, here’s what you need to know:
- There will continue to be an initial public comment period at the beginning of each meeting. To participate, you need to sign up before 5:50 p.m. and provide your name and address before speaking.
- If you can’t attend the meeting, you can still submit your public comment to publiccomment@pwmd-co.us before 5 p.m. and they will be read during the initial public comment portion of the meeting.
- A second public comment period will now take place after all discussion items are done. If you’re at the meeting and want to speak, you will be asked to provide your name and address before speaking.
- While sharing your comments, please be kind, courteous and respectful to everyone in the room, including guests, staff and Board members. Any threatening behavior or disruptions will not be allowed and you may be asked to leave the meeting immediately.
If you have any questions about the changes or the public involvement process at Board meetings, contact District Clerk Katrina Peter at 719-367-1610.
