HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-10 email on bylaws1
Minyard, Brian
From:Frances McSwain <missymcswain18@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, February 10, 2020 12:26 PM
To:Minyard, Brian
Subject:Re: Ex-parte Communication [IWOV-iManage_docs.FID13875]
Thank you.
On Mon, Feb 10, 2020 at 9:51 AM Minyard, Brian <BMinyard@littlerock.gov> wrote:
I concur with Sherri.
Brian Minyard
From: Latimer, Sherri
Sent: Friday, February 7, 2020 12:08 PM
To: 'Frances McSwain' <missymcswain18@gmail.com>
Cc: Minyard, Brian <BMinyard@littlerock.gov>; '1209_001 _ Historic District Commission _ On Going General Matter
_E_mail' <{F13875}.iManage_docs@ca-indexer.littlerock.state.ar.us>
Subject: RE: Ex-parte Communication [IWOV-iManage_docs.FID13875]
Missy, I’m in the office for a few minutes during the lunch break in between lectures. Your questions are good ones.
I’ve cc’d Brian since he deals with these issues and can probably better answer your questions. Firstly, as you know
there is no policy/procedure manual for the HDC. But it seems to me that the commissioners and staff handle these
matters in a fairly regular way. Staff provides copies of letters and emails to the Commission at the agenda meetings
and informs it of any texts, phone calls, etc. and the content thereof. The Commissioners indicate if they’ve received
emails, voice mails, texts, etc. at the agenda meeting and any pertinent content. This is true for both staff and the
Commissioners up to their appearance at the agenda meeting, there is no cutoff time to my knowledge. I would advise
people to contact staff and preferably in writing as the exact communication can be duplicated and provided to the
Commission verbatim. Brian, do you have any additional thoughts or information? Thank you for your concern Missy.
Feel free to call me Wednesday when I’m back in the office. Yours, Sherri
From: Frances McSwain <missymcswain18@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 6, 2020 12:45 PM
To: Latimer, Sherri <slatimer@littlerock.gov>
Subject: Re: Ex-parte Communication
Sherri:
2
I know you are out of the office and this question can certainly wait until you return. As the subject line
suggests, I don't believe this pertains to ex-parte communication. But could I have attended the January
meeting when I assume the bylaw revisions were discussed, I would have asked about this.
In preparation for the March Little Rock Historic District Commission meeting and to assure that each voice is
heard, I have several questions regarding public comment. These questions concern citizen comments (letters,
emails, texts, phone calls or voice mail) on a LRHDC Certificate Of Appropriateness application and how
those comments are distributed or communicated to the commissioners.
When a constituent comments only to the LRHDC staff regarding a COA application or an agenda item
through a letter, email, text, phone call or voice mail how does staff notify the commissioners of that citizen
communication? What about comments that arrive on the day of the hearing or even hours before the hearing?
Is there a cut off time that staff checks mail, email and voice mail for comments on the day of commission
meeting?
My concern is that people may be unable to attend the hearing to present public testimony, but they will take
the time to write a letter, email, text, call or leave a voice mail. I want to inform the MacArthur Park residents
and friends who want to voice their opinions how to make sure their comments are heard.
Thank you,
Missy
On Wed, Feb 5, 2020 at 4:49 PM Latimer, Sherri <slatimer@littlerock.gov> wrote:
Missy, yes, the Commission passed the by-law amendments at the last meeting. I’d be very happy to discuss the
matter with you but unfortunately I’m out of the office from tomorrow and not back until next Wednesday. Please
give me a call then and we can discuss this issue. Good to hear from you again, Sherri
From: Frances McSwain <missymcswain18@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 5, 2020 4:47 PM
To: Latimer, Sherri <slatimer@littlerock.gov>
Subject: Ex-parte Communication
Hello Sherri: Hope all is well in your world. I have a question about the revised LRHDC ex-parte
communication bylaw revisions. I assume the discussion took place at the January LRHDC hearing?
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend that meeting. Might we have a quick telephone meeting tomorrow
(Thursday)? Thank you for your consideration of my request. Yours, Missy McSwain