1005 - PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN ACTIVITIES OF DEPARTMENT
Issued June 10, 1993

Commission Policy No. 1033  Dated:  January 1, 1977

Office of Policy and Program Development

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN ACTIVITIES OF DEPARTMENT

Openness In government Is essential In our democratic Institutions, and Is not subject to question.  Public agencies are servants of the people who hove a right to become Informed about agency activities and, If they choose, to Involve themselves in those activities In a reasonable manner, avoiding serious disruption of legally designated agency activities.  Citizen advisory committees can Induce citizen participation In government and also be helpful to agencies In decision-making and In developing approaches to now programs.

Citizen participation and Interest In the activities of the Department shall be encouraged In all possible ways.  Attention to citizen questions, Inquiries, complaints, and requests shall be considered a principal duty by employees at all levels.  Serious disruption of normal duties Is to be avoided, but not at the expense of disregarding citizen communication.  Citizen advisory committees shall be used In all cases where programs and activities am particularly sensitive to public opinion or Impinge on citizen activities and philosophies In such a way as to cause a substantial response, or an unusually high level of Interest

1.         A portion of each public meeting of the Commission shall be set aside for citizen appearance.  All other commissions, boards, councils, and other advisory bodies associated with the Department shall do likewise.

2.         Public hearings and meetings shall be held when Increased Input from the public Is needed, as well as when legally required.  These shall be held at times and places convenient to the public, adequate notice shall be given, and reasonable effort be made to provide the public with Information on the Issue Involved.

3.         As time permits, employees shall attend and participate in both formal and informal meetings of organizations which have environmental and natural resource concerns.

4.         Full cooperation shall be given to the Governor, Legislature and other governmental agencies in furthering the principle of public Involvement

5.         The Director may appoint advisory committees or special task forces to further the performance of duties.