Civil discourse a pleasant surprise

I knew ahead of last Tuesday’s council meeting there would be a crowd, having received a bulk email about concerns over the proposed rate increases.

I am always a bit nervous when there is a crowd at government meetings because you never know the atmosphere of the meeting, but I need not have worried about the Feb. 20 meeting, as the meeting was the epitome of great civil discourse.

There was nearly standing room only, but there is not a lot of seating in the council chambers.

Questions, comments from the audience were courteous, well thought out and thought provoking. The council and departme...