DIDSBURY - Around 30 residents came out to Didsbury council's first coffee and conversation event on Jan. 17 at Didsbury Neighborhood Place in the town office.
Didsbury mayor Rhonda Hunter said she was pleased with the show of people.
"I was impressed with the turnout and thought it went extremely well," said Hunter. "The informal roundtable format created a casual and comfortable environment with opportunity for solid and productive conversation. I believe our residents who participated were provided with detailed answers to their questions and had the chance to present all of their questions and comments."
Residents sat at tables with members of council and discussed a number of subjects. Topics included the budget, roadwork, library expansion, taxes and economic development.
"I, unfortunately, didn't get to speak with everyone who showed up but the people I spoke with brought forward a variety of questions and concerns," she said. "I thought all of our topics created great discussion; face-to-face meetings are so valuable. They take the anonymity out of the environment and bring respectful and thoughtful interactions."
Hunter said council will gather all the information they received and look into it.
"Council will compile all of the input and information gathered, get the quick and/or easy fixes addressed as timely as possible, and prioritize items that need more research before an outcome or action can be considered," she said. "Some items will get to the council table, some are there already, some may not reach the council table but will be addressed through other avenues."
Coun. Erhard Poggemiller attended and also thought it was a very good event.
"Our table went well, I thought," said Poggemiller. "We had a variety of questions and we were able to glean some input from the public. I thought that part of it went very well. I don't know what went on at the other tables, but I know our table had good conversations."
Poggemiller said he would like to see this type of coffee chat happen once or twice a year where there are open discussions with the public.
"People basically asked questions pertaining to what our plans are for the future, taxation, conversation at council meeting, and what we're planning to do about economic development," he said. "They also asked questions about our policies and whether we plan on changing some of the protocols."
Didsbury resident Laure Rivers said she thought the interactive session with council is a good idea. She thought there were a number of good discussions taking place but she wonders whether council will consider any opposing ideas.
"It was good that they did it but it was more of a Band-Aid solution," said Rivers. "I think it was their attempt to make the community think they're involved and that they care what we say. Yes, I did have a really good conversation with the people that were sitting at my table. I don't feel all the questions were answered, but I feel there were some great solutions offered to the questions like communication with the public."
