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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, July 25, 2016 Page 30 heard;" or if they preferred interaction and input from other community represent- atives attending public engagement meetings, but not a full task force. Councilmember McGehee asked if there was an arrangement for open meetings with the public, an engagement strategy with preliminary rough draft notes from staff and the consultant, allowing for discussion with whomever showed up from the public on a given night and collating that input to bring forward. Coun- cilmember McGehee opined people were interested in specific topics, if ineetings were arranged by topic; and could show up accordingly allowing for open civic engagement, while not becoming overwhelming or impossible to manage. Mayor Roe opined that from his perspective, the role of the Planning Commission was to serve that purpose as a buffer between staff, the consultant, and the City Council. In the last update, Mayor Roe noted the steering committee reported to the Commission via public hearings, and then to the City Council. Mayor Roe opined the Planning Commission was the informal working group, with open meetings that may require additional special work sessions of their body to hash topics out. However, Mayor Roe noted the importance for public feedback before the formal public hearing process, which he thought citizens had come to appreci- ate, and allowed them informal back and forth discussion before the draft product was formalized. Mayor Roe referenced the recent code updates (tree preservation and PUD process) as a successful model. Mayor Roe suggested the working group consist of the Planning Commission to provide an informal opportunity for public feedback before the formal public hearing at the Planning Commission level and ultimate City Council action. Mayor Roe stated he agreed with the need for public input, but suggested the RFP simply allow consultants to make a rec- ommendation on the public engagement process based on their expertise. Councilmember Willmus agreed with the comments and suggestion of Mayor Roe. Councilmember McGehee stated her agreement as well; however, she asked that the process be further enhanced. When the step reaches the Planning Commission by area or chapter, Councilmember McGehee suggested a preliminary hearing al- lowing the public to come back and provide additional feedback. Mayor Roe stated he wasn't sure if the Planning Commission had to perform that, as long as the public was able to participate; and noted his lack of interest in dic- tating format to the consultant or Commission. Councilmember McGehee clarified that wasn't here intent either, but noted in the past the city hadn't allowed a more grass roots level public participation process; and for those interested, she wanted to have a process in place where citizens could come in and participate before being handed a large document on which they were asked to comment. While recognizing the Planning Commission was