Commentary: credit where due

By keeping the April 28th meeting in session until nearly midnight the council managed to get about halfway through the agenda. The last item considered for the evening was the second reading of the proposed wetland ordinance.

The whole meeting went well, but the wetland item in particular featured civil discussion, active participation by all council members, knowledgeable staff support, thoughtful citizen involvement, and a sound outcome. Namely, the ordinance was tabled to be sent back to the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission. The commission will think through the implications of the proposed setbacks on existing properties. Ultimately, an ordinance good for a sustainable Maplewood will be passed that will have fewer unintended consequences.

This is democracy at work, reminding us why we do it this way.

More like this, please.

Stephan