What is the purpose of the public comment period?

The public comment period is designed to facilitate open discussions during meetings, such as the September Board meeting. This period allows individuals from the community to express their views, concerns, or support regarding various agenda items or issues that are of public interest. By encouraging participation, the public comment period fosters transparency and helps decision-makers understand the perspectives of those they serve. This engagement is vital as it promotes a democratic process, ensuring that the voices of the public are heard in the decision-making process.

The other options do not align with the true purpose of the public comment period. For instance, private testimony would not be compatible with the public nature of these sessions. Collecting closed feedback runs counter to the idea of open dialogue and accessibility, which is central to public comments. Lastly, restricting opinions from the public contradicts the very essence of a public comment period, which is to promote input and feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders.