Citizens can speak out, but they're being asked to maintain decorum in the chamber

The Brainerd City Council's rules of procedure and decorum will be posted in the council chambers.

Council member Mary Koep asked for the issue to be placed on Monday's agenda. She said at the April 5 council meeting questions from the audience concerning the fire department and parks department were addressed to staff when they should have been addressed to council President Kevin Goedker, and many speakers went past the four minutes allowed for under the rules.

Koep said she also was upset at how staff were treated by speakers.

"I was quite distressed to see almost what I consider an abusive situation to our staff, and clearly that's not the intention of the rules of decorum we have adopted ourselves," Koep said.

Koep said the rules should be reviewed on an annual basis. Council member Bonnie Cumberland suggested they be posted in the council chambers.

Council member Bob Olson noted the rules allowed for more than four minutes of discussion per person in special circumstances, such as the discussion pertaining to laying off the six full-time fire equipment operators within the Brainerd Fire Department.

Olson said Goedker has done a good job moving the meetings along and as a representative elected by Brainerd citizens he has no problem letting them come to council meetings and tell him if he's doing a good job or not.

"Hell, they're the director of this corporation," Olson said. "Let us not forget, we work for them, they don't work for us."

Goedker said it would be nice for anyone wishing to speak to first read the rules of procedure and decorum. He said the only thing he doesn't like to see is people repeating themselves.

"From my perspective, this is the best venue for citizens to talk to us," Goedker said.

Southeast Brainerd resident Steve Wolff said he applauded Goedker for his patriotic leadership in letting people have a voice.

Mayor James Wallin said in his years on the council, the people who usually attend meetings are students required to do so for classes and people who have a concern that they want to address the council on.

"Trust me, I've been on that other side years ago, and I'm glad I had a podium because you are nervous," Wallin said. "They are nervous and they do have a specific item they want to bring to our attention. We welcome anyone anything of concern."

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.