Crazy Gals host Granite Shoals Saturday

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

Between wildlife and streets, fences and fees, issues have been wide ranging in the City of Granite Shoals this year and the city council is reaching out to the citizenry who have been unable to follow the action at council meetings.

“Coffee with Council” is an event being sponsored by the city at Crazy Gals Restaurant on Saturday, March 25. The popular restaurant at the corner of Ranch to Market Road 1431 and Phillips Ranch Road is opening its doors and coffee pots to the informal klatch from 9-11 a.m.

In surveys, in public comments at meetings and in conversations council members hear citizens say better communication is a priority and that has led to Saturday public forums, occasional newsletters and other informal meetings.

This time it was new Council Member Jim Davant who took the lead in organization for the Crazy Gals meet up. He and Council Member Anita Hisey will be joined by Mayor Carl Brugger for the event. Because the event is not an official meeting of the council, no more than three council members can be present, but they will be there to answer questions and carry concerns back to the full council.

Much of what takes place in the city begins or ends with citizen groups that also meet regularly. With the same goal of communication, some members may attend from the Airport Advisory Committee, Board of Adjustment, Beautification Advisory Group, Parks Advisory Committee, Streets & Water Advisory Group, the Wildlife Advisory Committee and the Planning & Zoning Commission.

“We have positions on those groups available and this might be a good opportunity for citizens to sound out volunteering to become part of them,” said City Secretary Elaine Simpson.

“Sometimes an informal chat is all it takes to start ideas flowing,” said City Manager Ken Nickel. “Some citizens come to council meetings looking for the answer to a simple question, not realizing a discussion of a non-agenda item is not possible under open meeting rules. This is an opportunity for residents to meet some of our council folks and to be able to ask a question.

“The council hopes citizens will enjoy a discussion or just getting to know some of the members of the committees that do so much of the work on issues that are finally considered by the council.”