Mayor Michael Quill wants to hear what Auburn residents have to say about their city. He will be able to do just that during two “town hall” meetings scheduled for the coming months.

On Aug. 10 and Oct. 5, Quill will host public meetings during which anyone and everyone will be able to ask questions or give comments about the city. The meetings are meant to be a public forum during which any topic is fair game.

This is the first time he has organized a forum like these since he was elected in November 2007. Quill said earlier this week that federal and state representatives often stop in the area for similar events. Why not do it for the city government, he asked.

“Let's have a town hall meeting and see how it does. Let people ask questions, say what's on their minds,” Quill said.

Members of the public have an opportunity every week to speak to the mayor or members of the city council. At the beginning of each council meeting, there is an open session for people to talk about any matter of city business.

It is common for people to speak during the public to be heard sessions, but rare for more than one or two to do so.

Quill said the town hall events will not be as structured as the council sessions, where members of the public are limited by a number of restrictions. They only have three minutes to comment, and comments must be addressed to the entire council instead of an individual councilor or city staff member.

People also must speak into a microphone at a podium, and the meetings are televised.

“Most people aren't comfortable with that format,” Quill said.

The city expects to continue holding town hall meetings next year, and Quill said these will likely be “learning experiences.” Members of the city council and city department heads will also be in attendance to hear concerns or suggestions.

People are expected to be respectful of others at the meetings, Quill said. But if you have a beef or complaint to get off your chest, this is the place to do it, he said.

“The idea is to help improve our city,” Quill said. “People have great ideas, but you never know about them until it's too late.”

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net

If you go

What: Town hall meeting with Auburn Mayor Michael Quill

When: 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10

Where: Casey Park Pavilion, North Division Street, Auburn

What: Town hall meeting with Auburn Mayor Michael Quill

When: 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5

Where: Booker T. Washington Community Center, 23 Chapman Ave., Auburn

For more information, contact the mayor's office at

255-4104.