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TOWN OF WEST SENECA TOWN SUPERVISOR Gary A. Dickson TOWN COUNCILMAN Robert J. Breidenstein Scott Robertson Mary T. Sherman To: Town Board Members From: Robert J. Breidenstein, Town Councilman Re: Public Comment Pilot Report Date: May 5, 2026 On or about April 27, 2026, the 90 day Town Board Public Comment Pilot period ended. The information below highlights the engagement with the community and the responsiveness of the Town Board to respond to constituent questions throughout the pilot timeframe. Public Comment Pilot Program Data: Began February 9 and concluded on April 27 Pilot data does not include scheduled public hearings or commission meetings Social Media (Facebook) comments were monitored but not recorded during the pilot program Total Public Comments catalogued during Pilot Period- 67 Of the 67 catalogued Public Comment questions, 61 were responded to that night or the following meeting with the exception of 2 specific questions and 4 general statements: a. Renaming of parks for veterans (3 potential parks)- still a work in progress b. Water pressure on Cedar Ridge- awaiting a response from Erie County Water Authority c. Four (4) comments were statements that did not include a question (i.e. I am against the Kloc’s proposal) Anecdotal observations suggest the engagement at town board meetings has been more civil, respectful and calm. Similarly, as the general public comment tone has stabilized at town board meetings, it is important to note the Facebook commentary has appeared to present a much more aggressive, disrespectful and at times confrontational tone that degenerates to personal attacks resident to resident directed towards fellow residents, speakers and other citizens including employees of the town. Therefore, upon review: the following resolution is proposed to codify this pilot into practice at regularly scheduled town board meetings: Adopt a standing town board agenda item to include a town board “Response to Public Comment” following public comment sessions at regularly scheduled town board meetings be approved. Page 59 of 280