HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-17-2017 Item 13, WalkerCOUNCIL MEETING: I
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From: Kathie Walker [
Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2017 4:29 PM
To: E-mail Council Website <erriallcpunci@slocity.org>
Subject: Agenda Item 13: RHIP Special Meeting
Dear Mayor Harmon, Councilmembers Gomez, Pease, Rivoire and Christianson,
I've attached my thoughts and input regarding the format for the special meeting on February 16, 2017. My
hope is that the meeting fosters a conversation between our community and you, as the elected public
representatives.
Thank you,
Kathie Walker
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As representatives of the people of San Luis Obispo, I urge you to consider the following when
deciding how to format the special meeting on the Rental Housing Inspection Program:
What is the anticipated goal or outcome for this meeting?
The goal should be to facilitate a community dialogue where members of the community discuss
their opinions, ideas and concerns. The outcome should result in a clear understanding of the
public's feelings with direction to staff to address those items.
What type of discussion do Council members want to foster?
In order to foster true public engagement, a facilitated two-way community dialogue would be the
best method. Our citizens are hungry for this sort of conversation. The format should NOT be as
strictly structured as a Council meeting (agenda option d, "study session") because the formality
can be intimidating to newcomers and does not facilitate a real conversation between the public
and the Council who represents them.
Ultimately, the Council should choose to provide staff direction based on the community input Staff
has calendared time on the March 7, 2017 agenda with additional time available on the March 21,
2017 agenda, to allow staff to return with any program or ordinance changes.
What venue should be used for this meeting?
Based on the considerable interest, the meeting should be held at a venue that is capable of
accommodating a large population with adequate parking. Previously, the public was turned away
at RHIP workshops held at the Library Community Room and the Ludwick Center due to lack of
capacity. I suggest that venues on Cal Poly campus be explored, such as the PAC or Chumash
Auditorium, as they accommodate a large group and adequate parking is available.
Who do you want to facilitate the meeting?
The most non -biased method which allows the greatest engagement between Council and the
public.
Will there be any ground rules for participation in the special meeting?
Time limits should be imposed on speakers but I urge you to allow full participation. For example,
during the Budget Workshop, I wished to speak on affordable housing and present some solutions,
however I was not called to speak because they limited the number of speakers on each subject.
As a result, my idea was not included in scribe or online survey. It would be great if all ideas are
presented.
What type of staff support or resources would you like to be available at the workshop?
The focus of the meeting is hearing the community's voice and a staff "presentation" is not
necessary or desirable. The special meeting was called based on public input and the community's
desire to be heard. You are already aware of the history of the program and have been provided
with the reading file which covers the history. This meeting should be about community
engagement and the voice of our community, not the city staff's agenda. Please respect this under
the current circumstances.
A scribe to write down ideas or feedback would be helpful.
Videotaping
The meeting should definitely be videotaped for public record.