How to attend public meetings in the Grand Coulee Dam area
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In an online survey conducted on The Star's online site this month, most said they are more likely to attend a public meeting if it is offered online. Currently, that's a requirement, or at least a call-in phone connection. Those who lead our government entities will weigh whether to keep that practice up even after the COVID-19 pandemic no longer makes it necessary.
With multiple towns, boards, and districts, there are lots of meetings happening in the Grand Coulee Dam area that each offer opportunity to engage in the processes that affect community life.
The nature of public meetings has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and public entities such as city councils and school boards are required by state law to make their meetings available electronically over programs such as Zoom, or at least over the telephone, making it easier than ever to attend a meeting - from the comfort of your own home.
Public comments have slowed down during these meetings, however, and those wishing to speak should contact the entity ahead of the meeting to learn how to make a public comment. Often, an official at the meeting may read a public comment submitted via email, but other options, such as getting on the agenda to speak, may be available.
To get the agenda, Zoom links, phone access numbers, or otherwise for a meeting, contact the appropriate entity.
Cities
Electric City - holds their council meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
City Hall: 509-633-1510 Website: https://electriccity.us
Grand Coulee - holds their council meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
City Hall: 509-633-1150
Coulee Dam - holds their council meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. City Hall: 509-633-0320 Website: http://townofcouleedam.org
Elmer City - holds their council meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. City Hall: 509-633-2872
Nespelem - holds their council meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. City Hall: 509-634-4691 or townofnespelem@centurylink.net
Regional Board of Mayors - holds meetings on the first Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m. Contact Electric City's city hall at 509-633-1510 for more info.
Other meetings
Grand Coulee Dam School District - holds their board meetings on the seconds and fourth Mondays of each month at 5:30 p.m. District Office: 509-633-2143 Website: https://www.gcdsd.org
Nespelem School District - holds their meetings on the fourth monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Nespelem School: 509-634-4541 Website: https://www.nsdeagles.org
Hospital District 6 (Coulee Medical Center) - holds their commission meetings on the last Monday of each month. 509-633-1753. Website:
https://cmccares.org/about-cmc/board-meetings-minutes/
Coulee Area Park and Recreation District - holds their commission meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Email - info@couleeparks.com Website - http://www.couleeparks.com Commission Chairman Kevin Portch - 509-631-0139
Grant County Port District #7 - holds their commission meetings on the last Thursday of each month at 3:45 p.m. Email: portdistrict7@gmail.com
Special meetings and more
Sometimes a city council or a board will choose to hold a "special" meeting separate from their regularly scheduled meetings, often to address some kind of business that needs to get done sooner than later.
They are required to announce those meetings In writing to any news media that have requested it and to each member of their governing body at least 24 hours before the meeting.
Announcements for meeting changes, other meetings such as committee meetings, budget hearings, and more, often appear in the legal section of The Star newspaper and can also be found online at https://www.grandcoulee.com/section/legals.
