Agenda Item # 3.1 - Jenn Swigart | Received 09/18/2023From:Jen Swigart
To:Public Comments; All Council Members
Subject:EXTERNAL - Item #3.1 Public Comment on Items Not on the Agenda
Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 6:11:33 AM
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City Council, Staff, and the Public,
I support adding Enabling Hybrid Meetings to a future agenda. As a mom of three, with a husband who works
inconsistent, long hours, I often don’t know if I’ll be able to head to a meeting. I often listen to recorded meetings
while I am doing other things, like folding laundry, making dinner, etc. Having hybrid meetings would allow me to
be involved while I am home with my kids.
The OGO Commission embarked on the hybrid public meetings initiative to further their Fiscal Year 2024- 2025
workplan and in support of the ordinance that enacted its purpose “...so that every citizen can know and participate
in democracy at the local level” (Gilroy City Code, Chapter 17A). Local government is where citizens can make the
most impact, but I often feel I cannot participate because of my schedule.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approves agendizing the Commission’s topic to Enabling Hybrid Public
Meetings to allow the Council to receive a 20-minute briefing on enacting the Commission’s seven (7)
recommendations.
The goal of the City of Gilroy’s Open Government Ordinance (OGO) is to give the citizens of Gilroy greater access
to information and to allow for more public participation in City governmental decisions. Because the City Council
believes that governmental transparency is paramount for the people of Gilroy to remain in control of their
government, this ordinance gives Gilroy’s citizens more access to governmental processes and public information in
a timelier manner. Overall, this legislation allows the citizens of Gilroy to be more informed and involved in the
processes of local government.
Thank you for your time.
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