One step at a time – restoring some transparency and access to the Village. It is amazing how replacing a single council member can affect the entire village council.

Council Member Patrick Fiore found an ally in newly elected Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer.  Three votes were there last Monday evening (Monday, Feb 3, 2025) to restore the ability to submit public comment via e-mail.

If passed on second reading, Section 2-49(e) will be amended in its entirety to read as follows:

(e) Written communication. Interested parties or their authorized representatives may submit written comments to be provided by the Village Clerk to the Councilmembers prior to the start of the Council meeting. Written comments shall be read aloud for not more than one (1)  minute and shall be made part of the public record of the meeting.

The prior Vice Mayor was part of a coalition to remove the reading of emails from the public meetings.  Thank you Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer for your energy and collaboration with Patrick Fiore to get this item through by the razor thin 3-2 margin.

The task is not yet compete.  This is an ordinance and it requires passage at a second reading. I am hopeful that Council Member Fiore will move this item forward at the March Council Meeting and that he is once again joined by Vice Mayor Merwitzer and Council Member Marsha Matson.