Houston council is hosting a meeting June 19 to listen to what residents have to say about any number of topics but the prospect is leaving some members apprehensive as to the format and what might happen.
This will be the first such gathering in years and is part of a renewed effort on the part of council to increase its connection with citizens.
Councillor Jonathan Van Barneveld kicked off the discussion at council's regular May 20, 2025 meeting, wondering if the gathering being called a "town hall" implied there was an agenda and that was too formal for what council is hoping will be a casual affair.
He also advocated for staying away from saying council wanted to hear resident concerns, indicating that could potentially lead to confrontational issues.
"To me, this is more of a council meet and greet or community fireside chat," Van Barneveld said.
Instead of "concerns," he added, council should be seeking "ideas".
Councillor Lisa Mueller backed the idea of staying away from the feeling there was an agenda.
"i think we should leave it less agenda-ee so that we can actually check in with our community, where people are at in our community," she said. "I think if we put an agenda, and it's too structured, we're not going to have that community."
Councillor Rebecca Hougen did not object to the prospect of some structure, suggesting that council prepare a small number of District news updates "just so we're not all just sitting there staring at each other, which could very well happen."
Councillor Tom Euverman was comfortable with the concept of a fireside chat, saying the idea is to communicate.
"Sure there might be some hot button issues, but that's part of what our job is," he said.
Mayor Shane Brienen reassured council members, saying council may not have all of the answers to questions posed and that council would respond later once an answer is determined.
"I think we just get in there, have some stuff prepared, but I think you just kind of roll with the punches and see which way we're going," he said.
Brienen added that he would act as moderator.
"I'm fine standing up there with the mic and dealing with that as well," the mayor said if contentious issues were raised.
The June 19 meeting at the seniors centre begins at 6:30 p.m. and lasts until 8:30 p.m.
