Public Participation Plan 2007: Getting Involved
IV. Participation Plan:
Getting Involved: Public Meetings
The BRTB holds dozens of meetings each year for its members and subcommittees to address technical transportation issues and to deliberate on the strategies, projects, plans, and programs that the BRTB oversees in any given year.
General Guidelines for BRTB meetings and activities
The following guidelines specifically address the ways in which the public can be informed about and involved in BRTB meetings and other activities:
Adequate and Timely Public Notice
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BRTB and Committee Meetings - The BRTB and its subcommittees provide adequate notice of meetings subject to the Maryland Open Meetings Law. Public notice of the date, time, location, of all BRTB meetings are provided 30 days prior to the meeting. Agendas for each meeting is posted on the BMC web site 10-14 days prior to the meeting. For those without access to the BMC web site the list is also available in alternative formats upon request.
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Special events or meetings - Every attempt will be made to provide 30 days public notice for all other meetings or events of the BRTB.
How to find out about BRTB meetings and events Notification of BRTB and subcommittee meetings, public hearings, public comment and review periods, and special events are provided in the following ways:
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Meeting Locations and Times
Meetings of the BRTB and its committees are held at various times and locations. Most meetings of the BRTB and its committees are held at the BMC offices, located in Baltimore City, and accessible by bus, car, bicycle, walking, and boat. The following is the current policy for meeting times:
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BRTB Meetings: 11 months of the year the BRTB meets at 9 a.m. at BMC.
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BRTB Meetings with Elected Officials: These meetings offer the chance for the public to speak directly with the elected officials that serve on the BRTB. Meetings are held once per year at 5:00 p.m. at BMC.
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BRTB Committee Meetings: See schedule of standard meeting dates and times on page 9.
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Public Meetings on Plans and Programs: During public review and comment periods, the BRTB will host public meetings to accept questions and public comments for the record.
Every effort will be made to accommodate extended hours (for example: 3 to 8 p.m.) for all public meetings related to the long and short range transportation plans, as well as any corresponding major amendments. If unable to accommodate, meetings will be held at 7 p.m.
Locations for these public meetings will be held at various locations, depending on the topic:
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Other meetings and special events – On occasion, the BRTB hosts additional meetings and public events. These meetings are scheduled at various times, including weekends, at transit accessible and convenient locations.
Access to Information about all Committee Meetings
All meetings of the BRTB and subcommittees shall be governed by the Maryland Open Meetings Act and the Maryland Public Information Act. Some portions of meetings may be closed to discuss sensitive budget, finance, personnel, or homeland security issues.
A list of BRTB committees and their standard meeting dates, times, and locations are listed below. Agendas for these meetings are made available ten to fourteen days prior to the meeting. The minutes and all materials presented at these meetings are also public record.
| Committee | Standard meeting day and time | Location |
| Baltimore Regional Transportation Board | Monthly, 4th Tuesday at 9 a.m. or 4:30 p.m. | BMC |
| Baltimore Regional Operations Coordinating Committee | Bimonthly, 10 a.m. | Meeting location rotates |
| Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Group | Bimonthly, 1st Wednesday at 1 p.m. | BMC |
| Citizens Advisory Committee | Monthly, 1st Wednesday at 5:30 | BMC |
| Cooperative Forecasting Group | Bimonthly, 3rd Wednesday at 10 a.m. | BMC |
| Freight Movement Task Force | Quarterly, 3rd Thursday at 9 a.m. | BMC |
| lnteragency Consultation Group | Monthly, 1st Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. | BMC |
| Technical Committee | Monthly, 1st Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. |
BMC
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| Traffic Signal Subcommittee | Quarterly, 2nd Monday at 10 a.m. | Meeting location rotates |
NOTE: All meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please call 410-732-0500 or visit www.baltometro.org to confirm.
Access by Persons with Disabilities
All meetings of the BRTB will be held in facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Getting Involved: Citizens Advisory Committee
A committee of particular importance to public involvement is the Citizens Advisory committee. The mission of the CAC is to provide independent, region-oriented citizen advice on a variety of issues, as well as to promote public awareness and participation on the regional transportation planning process.
This committee is comprised entirely of citizens, community representatives, and other interested individuals. A BRTB liaison also participates. The BRTB conducts an application process for persons interested in serving on the CAC. Those interested in serving should contact the Public Involvement Coordinator at 410-732-0500 x1047 or comments@baltometro.org.
All CAC meetings are open to the public and members of the public are encouraged to attend.
Guidelines for BRTB Meetings
The following procedures specifically address public participation at BRTB meetings:
Public Participation at BRTB Meetings
The BRTB holds monthly meetings at which members discuss current activities and events. A public participation opportunity is provided to address BRTB on any issues related to the transportation planning process. This public participation opportunity is conducted at the beginning of each meeting for up to 15 minutes. Should any major issues arise that require additional time, the Chair will take appropriate actions to extend the time limit. Public comment is also allowed for any item being voted on. A guide for making comments to the BRTB is found in Appendix D of this document.
BRTB Agenda Items
All items on which the BRTB act upon through a resolution (Action Items) will be placed on the agenda prior to Informational Items. It will be at the discretion of the Chair to alter the order of agenda items in order to accommodate special circumstances. Agendas for all BRTB and BRTB committee meetings are made available on the BMC web site at least 10-14 working days prior to the meeting date.
BRTB Action Items
Unless there are special, extenuating circumstances, no Action Item will be added to the agenda once the agenda has been mailed to the general public.
CAC Participation in Agenda Items
The Citizens Advisory Committee Chair is provided seating and may participate in the discussion of all agenda items.
| Did you know? The BRTB is supported by more than a dozen ommittees and advisory groups, addressing a wide range of topics from freight to homeland security to bicycle and pedestrian access. The committees offer an important means for the BRTB to consult with specific stakeholders and agency partners, including members of the public, on specific issues related to their mission. Members of the public interested in attending committee meetings can check the web site at www.baltometro.org and click on "Transportation Planning" for a list of committees, their membership, purposes, and schedules. All meetings held by committees and advisory groups are open to the public Members of the public are encouraged to attend committee meetings or to call the Public Involvement Coordinator at 410-732-0500 x1047 to find out how to become involved. |
Links within this web site: 2007 Public Participation Plan(pdf, 1.11 MB)
Other Parts of the Public Participation Plan
Letter
I. Introduction
II. About the BRTB
III. Guiding Principles
IV. Participation Plan
Access to Information
Getting Involved: Public Meetings
Having Your Say: Public Review and Comment
V. Toolbox
Appendix A: Federal Requirements
Appendix B: CFR Excerpts
Appendix C: Lingo
Appendix D: Guide to Making Comments
Links to other web sites:
Last Updated on Thursday, 12 May 2011 11:00