Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/207831
Sarasota News Leader November 8, 2013 On Monday, Langston addressed the commission about the issue: "You are supposed to be able to come to our meetings and get an education about how we feel about the issues. I'm getting very upset our commissioners are now afraid to come and listen to what the citizens have to say." The issue of notification and minutes is further compounded because every one of the city's 36 advisory boards falls under the auspices of the public records and open meeting laws that comprise Florida's Government in the Sunshine statutes. Those regulations ban two or more members of the same board from talking about issues that "foreseeably" could come to them later for a decision. Page 51 another barrier to public participation fell on Monday. In the past, people were not allowed to comment during the evaluation of the city's three charter officials — the city manager, city attorney and city clerk and auditor. However, by unanimous vote, the city commissioners abolished the old rule with little debate. The new state law based on SB 50 took effect Oct. 1; it opens parts of agendas previously closed to public comment. "The law is too new, and there is no guidance," said City Attorney Fournier. "Allowing public input does lie in the spirit of the law." Nonetheless, Fournier reminded the five commissioners, "It is still your evaluation. As Florida Senate Bill 50 makes its way into You are free to develop a process on how to the canon of Florida Sunshine regulations, set that up." % SOUND OFF Come cruise with us at the Sarasota Yacht Club Monday, November 18, 2013 to benefit the prevention education programs of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida Get ready for the season in style and join us for a Prosecco reception catered by Sarasota Yacht Club, and a resort style fashion show featuring Sarasota shopping favorites: Main Street Traders Dream Weaver Martin Freeman Little Bo-Tique Tickets are $65 each and available through November 15, 2013 941-365-3913 x1024 www.HighTideatHighNoon.org OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS Community Foundation of Sarasota County Gulf Coast Community Foundation