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Kennard Town Board |
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Town Board Meetings are the second
Wednesday of the month at 7:00 P.M. |
Town Meetings - Videos
Watch on Youtube Here: https://www.youtube.com/@Town_of_Kennard_Indiana
Town Board Members
Steve Worsham - Board President
Holly Lee - Board Member
Jason Groce - Board Member
Clerk Hours
By Appointment Only.
Email to schedule.
Clerk / Treasurer
Jan Lockridge
Clerk Treasurer
Phone: (765) 785-2331
Public Comments Policy: More Information
The Town of Kennard values public participation and input from its residents. Our Open Door Policy ensures that all public meetings are open and accessible to the community, with a public comment period included on each monthly agenda. This allows any member of the public to address the Board and share their thoughts, concerns, or feedback.
Why Do We Ask for Public Comments in Advance?
To ensure the Board can give thoughtful consideration to the comments and be adequately prepared, we encourage citizens to submit their public comments to the Clerk’s office at least 72 hours before the meeting. While this is not a requirement for participation, submitting comments in advance helps the Board gather any relevant information and incorporate the issue into the meeting’s agenda. It also allows the Board to review your concerns and address them more effectively.
Public Comments Period: Guidelines and Purpose
At each public meeting, a Public Comments section will be included where members of the community are invited to speak. This section is open to everyone, and all opinions are welcome.
However, please note that during this time, the Board will listen to the comments but may not engage in a back-and-forth discussion. The Indiana Open Door Law (IC 5-14-1.5) allows the Board to hear public comments, but it does not require the Board to engage in dialogue or debate during the public comment period. This ensures that meetings remain focused, organized, and productive.
The Board may ask clarifying questions if necessary, but no formal responses or discussions will take place during this time. If a matter requires further attention or research, the Board may choose to address it at a future meeting or take it under advisement. This allows the Board to properly investigate or consult with relevant parties before responding to complex issues.
Time Limit for Comments
To ensure everyone has a chance to speak and the meeting remains on schedule, we kindly ask that each speaker limit their comments to three minutes. This time limit helps keep the public comment section manageable and allows the meeting to progress efficiently.
Why Might the Board Not Respond Immediately?
The Board is committed to listening to all public concerns. However, the Indiana Open Door Law emphasizes that public meetings must be orderly and conducted in accordance with the agenda. As a result, the Board is not obligated to respond to each comment immediately, as doing so could disrupt the meeting or violate procedural rules.
Instead, the Board may follow up on comments after the meeting, either through direct communication or by placing the matter on a future agenda for further discussion. This approach ensures that the Board can provide informed responses, based on the necessary research and consultation with relevant parties.
Conclusion
We encourage all citizens to participate in the public comment period, as your input is vital to maintaining an open and transparent government. While the Board may not engage in immediate discussion, rest assured that your concerns will be heard and taken seriously. If you have specific issues that require further attention, the Board will make every effort to address them in a timely and thorough manner.
If you have any further questions or need assistance in submitting your public comments, please contact the Clerk’s office at [email protected].