Yes! All public comment submitted is incorporated into the official minutes of the meeting. Written comment is printed and attached to the permanent minutes.
Town of Stevensville Expands Participation Options for Public Meetings
Stevensville Town Council and Board meetings will now offer additional methods of public participation.
In an effort to reduce in-person gatherings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Town is expanding options to participate in public meetings from a distance.
Participation options include:
Written Comment – Citizens can submit written comments in advance of any public meeting. Written comment can be provided in any of the following ways:
- Real-time Public Comment Form - Each meeting agenda contains a link to the public comment form on our website for that specific meeting. Comments submitted through the form are automatically sent by email to the governing body of that meeting (Town Council or board members).
- Email Us - Email can be sent to publiccomment@townofstevensville.com in advance of, or during, any meeting. Comments sent to this email address are forwarded to the appropriate governing body by the Town Clerk. Please note the meeting you are providing comment for in your email.
- Hand Deliver - Written public comment can be dropped off at Town Hall in advance of, or during, any meeting. Please use the drop box next to the door of Town Hall to submit your comment. Comments will be distributed to the appropriate governing body by the Town Clerk.
By Phone (New) – Citizens wishing to provide a comment by phone during a public meeting can do so by calling (253)-215-8782 and entering the meeting ID listed on the agenda. Citizens should reference the FAQ for telephone participation in meetings for further guidance.
All public meetings will be broadcast for viewing on our website at www.townofstevensville.com/meetings at Facebook.com/townofstevensvilleMT and on our YouTube Channel.
After receiving a record breaking amount of written comment at the August 13th Town Council Meeting, nearing 50 written comments, the Town is now providing a new way for citizens to review the public comment submitted in writing. Public comment submitted in writing through the options listed above will be uploaded to the Town's website daily. Comment will be uploaded to the corresponding meeting page on our website and can be accessed by visiting www.townofstevensville.com/meetings and clicking "View Details" next to the meeting you wish to see the comments for. Comments provided in writing in advance of the meeting will be uploaded prior to the meeting. Comments submitted in writing during the meeting will be uploaded immediately following the meeting.
All methods of providing public comment are designed to ensure residents are afforded the opportunity to participate in, and observe, the affairs of their local government and have been reviewed by the City Attorney to ensure compliance with Montana's open meeting laws and the public's right to participate. The Town relies on guidance from the Montana Attorney General and the Montana League of Cities and Towns in establishing procedures and methods for public participation during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find more information under the supporting documents section of this page.
For questions, please call Town Hall at 406-777-5271.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do my comments become part of the record?
How do I participate in meetings by phone?
Citizens wishing to provide a comment by phone during a public meeting can do so by calling (253)-215-8782 and entering the meeting ID listed on the agenda.
When the system asks for a participant ID, do not provide one. Instead, press the "#" key.
To raise your hand to provide comment, press *9. You will be called on by the last 4 digits of your phone number to provide your name and address and to provide your comment.
If you are joining the meeting by phone while watching the live stream, please note that a slight delay occurs. PLEASE MUTE THE SOUND ON YOUR COMPUTER TO PREVENT FEEDBACK ON THE PHONE SYSTEM.
How do I review public comment submitted to a meeting?
Public comment submitted in writing through email or our public comment form will be uploaded to the Town's website daily.
Comment will be uploaded to the corresponding meeting page on our website and can be accessed by visiting www.townofstevensville.com/meetings and clicking "View Details" next to the meeting you wish to see the comments for. Comments will appear as a file under "Supporting Documents".
Comments provided in writing in advance of the meeting will be uploaded prior to the meeting. Comments submitted in writing during the meeting will be uploaded immediately following the meeting.
Will comment I submit through the form or by email be read aloud at the meeting?
Unfortunately, the amount and length of written comments we receive make it difficult for us to read during the meeting as this would use a lot of meeting time to do. This is why we ensure that elected representatives receive a copy of everything submitted and have started uploading written comments to our website for citizens to review. And, all comments submitted in writing are made part of the written minutes of the meeting.
206 Buck Street | Stevensville MT 59870 | (406) 777-5271