44:41A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to formulating questions for a public survey aimed at gathering feedback on town government operations and the town charter. There was a consensus on using Google Forms over Air Table, emphasizing accessibility concerns, particularly for mobile users. This choice was motivated by past difficulties some users faced when accessing Air Table, which prompted a shift to a more user-friendly platform.

35:58Council members reviewed a set of open-ended questions proposed by a participant, which were praised for their ability to elicit comprehensive responses. However, there was advocacy for including a mix of question types, such as yes/no and scaled questions, to balance qualitative insights with quantitative data. This approach aimed to capture general trends and opinions within the community without overwhelming respondents with extensive open-ended questions.

24:51The discussion also highlighted the importance of streamlining the survey’s introductory section to avoid any perceived bias and ensure clarity. The need to simplify questions regarding respondents’ backgrounds, such as residency duration and roles within the town, was stressed to maintain anonymity and inclusivity. Concerns about question redundancy were addressed, with suggestions to refine and consolidate inquiries to avoid overlap while capturing diverse perspectives.

56:17In parallel, the council explored organizing community listening sessions to gather direct feedback from residents about local governance. The format of these sessions was debated, with a proposal to conduct small group discussions led by facilitators to create an environment conducive to open expression. The importance of documenting these discussions through notetakers or potential recordings was emphasized, although considerations were made regarding the possible intimidation factor of videotaping sessions.

01:30:04The council also discussed outreach strategies to ensure a diverse turnout at these listening sessions. There was a focus on reaching individuals who typically do not engage in town meetings. Suggestions included leveraging local media, social media platforms, and neighborhood email lists to inform and encourage participation. The need for representation, particularly among communities of color, in discussions about race and local governance was acknowledged, with the council expressing a desire for more inclusive dialogues.

45:16Additionally, the council considered logistical aspects of organizing the listening sessions, such as securing meeting locations and facilitating the necessary resources, including potential professional facilitators or notetakers. The goal was to ensure that participants’ voices were heard and accurately documented for the committee’s review.

Members expressed a commitment to engaging the community in meaningful discussions about local governance, recognizing the importance of capturing diverse perspectives to inform future decisions.