Riverside
During a virtual Riverside City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, for the first time members of the public were allowed to speak remotely for three minutes and make suggestions on certain issues and topics.
Going forward, the city advised there will be many opportunities to make a comment or suggestion during council meetings, public hearings and workshops as the community continues to shelter in place.
“I am pleased that our constituents once again have multiple opportunities to speak at each meeting, as they did when meetings were in the Council chambers,” said Mayor Rusty Bailey.
When initial stay-at-home orders were issued by Governor Gavin Newsom, the first virtual City Council meeting in Riverside, the public was directed to participate in a ‘drive up public comment’ process, where they would drive up to City Hall and speak to a camera to ask questions.
This new feature allows the public to comment faster in comparison to the drive-up option, to communicate concerns and suggestions regarding city matters.
“This is the latest evolution in our ongoing effort to ensure residents have the ability to address their government during these unique circumstances,” said Bailey.
The option to make a comment during the portion of the meeting when the council is discussing a topic of interest, is available by calling (951) 826-8600. When calling in, callers are asked to mute the device they are watching from to prevent distortion of sound during the live feed.
The best way to determine when to call is by watching the meeting via www.engageriverside.com , RiversideTV cable channels, or City social media live feeds.
If you wish to comment, but choose not to call in, residents can continue to submit their comments via email to www.engageriverside.com or by sending a card or letter.
“Input from the community is crucial to good decision-making,” Mayor Pro Tem Erin Edwards said. “I am encouraged that, even though we are meeting virtually, the public can still share their ideas and expertise.”
To stay connected with live meetings visit www.engageriverside.com or follow the City’s social media pages.
