Why is community journalism important?

One of the functions of our local community journalism is to report on governmental actions which may impact the Niwot and Gunbarrel communities. The Left Hand Valley Courier regularly monitors Boulder County government meeting schedules and agendas, and as a result, learned of a meeting among Boulder County Commissioners and legislators that was described as “not open to members of the public.”

Since such closed meetings are prohibited by Colorado law, the Left Hand Courier contacted the county commissioners’ office and the notice was changed. The exchange between the Left Hand Valley Courier and the Board representative is provided below.

Notice on Boulder County Commissioners’ Calendar:

“WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

7:30 a.m. Commissioners host commissioner & legislator breakfast. (Hearing Room)

Please note: This meeting is not open to members of the public.”

Email to Boulder County Commissioners from the Left Hand Valley Courier:

“Why is this meeting not open to members of the public?

Colorado's open meetings law states, in part:

‘(2) (a) All meetings of two or more members of any state public body at which any public business is discussed or at which any formal action may be taken are declared to be public meetings open to the public at all times. (b) All meetings of a quorum or three or more members of any local public body, whichever is fewer, at which any public business is discussed or at which any formal action may be taken are declared to be public meetings open to the public at all times.’

I can't imagine that no public business would be discussed at this meeting.”

First Response from Jennifer Churchill, Public Affairs Specialist, Boulder County Commissioners’ office:

“Thank you for contacting the Boulder County Commissioners.

I’m checking on an answer for you and will get back with you as soon as I can.

Kind regards,

Jennifer”

Second Response from Jennifer Churchill, Public Affairs Specialist, Boulder County Commissioners’ office:

“Thank you for your inquiry about the Legislator breakfast. I checked in with staff and learned:

The legislator breakfast is open to the public, however there is no opportunity for public comment/participation.

If you would like to speak to a Commissioner after the meeting, please get in touch with their PIO, Gloria Handyside, cc’d here.

Please let me know if you need any additional assistance.

Kind regards,

Jennifer”

Response from Left Hand Valley Courier:

“Would you please change the statement on the agenda so that other members of the public who may want to attend and listen will know that they can do so.”

Third Response from Jennifer Churchill, Public Affairs Specialist, Boulder County Commissioners’ office:

“I believe it is being updated there—I updated it on the Event Calendar. Thank you for bringing it to our attention!

Kind regards,

Jennifer”