In 2016, I attended a Plymouth Environmental Quality Committee (EQC) meeting for the first time. I wanted to advocate for organics recycling (curbside composting) in Plymouth. It was an interesting experience, seeing how one small part of our city government functions. I spoke at the meeting's public forum part of the meeting and stayed to hear the rest of the discussion.
I continued to attend the monthly meetings as an interested citizen and occasionally provided a comment here or there on an issue. By the end of 2017, I was appointed by the city council to a seat on the EQC.
I took those first few months to listen, to learn the process and procedure for city meetings, to take in the issues before the committee and better understand our purpose.
Since those early days, my involvement in the City of Plymouth has only grown. I've lost count of the number of committee, commission, study session and city council meetings I've attended. Conservatively, I'd estimate it at hundreds of hours attending or participating in city meetings. Again, most often to listen. To learn about what's happening in our community. To understand what it means for our residents, our businesses, our environment, our taxes.
I've learned about the great work of our city staff. I've met business owners who are growing their operations or opening a new enterprise. I've heard complaints and issues with traffic, construction, water runoff, snow plowing, and more. Through this time, I've pieced together a deeper picture of our community. Of what makes Plymouth a great place to live and where we can work to make it even better.
Just this week, I attended a budget study session and a full city council meeting in person. If I'm going to be ready to serve our community I figure I should know about our budget priorities and challenges. The discussion centered around 'enterprise funds,' which are parts of the budget that come from fees instead of taxes (think utilities, or sports leagues).
At the council meeting, one highlight was hearing from a group of students who spent the day meeting and shadowing city staff. The students learned about planning, development, public safety, public works and more. After a full day, they stayed through the same meetings I attended and shared some of their experiences and goals. It was inspiring to hear their ambitions and the new perspectives they gained.
I look forward to many more meetings, to listening to many perspectives, to learning more about our city's strengths and opportunities for growth, to understanding the impact any decision might have on our future, and ensuring that it remains bright.
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