The City of Pacific's Special Board of Aldermen Meeting convened on November 5, 2024, at 6:00 PM, primarily to discuss the fiscal year 2025 budget. The meeting began with a roll call, confirming the presence of several aldermen and city officials. Following the pledge of allegiance, the agenda was set to focus solely on the budget.
A significant portion of the meeting was consumed by a contentious debate regarding the amendment of the agenda. Alderman Kelly raised a motion to amend the agenda to include discussions about rescheduling a Board of Adjustments meeting. This proposal sparked a heated exchange among the members, with differing interpretations of the rules governing special meetings and agenda amendments. Alderman Cleave argued against the amendment, citing the requirement for 24-hour notice for changes to the agenda, while others contended that amendments could be made during special meetings.
Despite the disagreement, a vote was called on the motion to amend the agenda. The motion passed with a vote of 4-2-1, with Alderman Kelly abstaining. Following this decision, Alderman Lesh expressed his intention to withdraw from the meeting, citing concerns over the legality of the proceedings.
With the agenda now amended, the discussion shifted back to the budget. Alderman Stewart emphasized the urgency of addressing the budget in light of the emergency nature of the situation, while other members expressed frustration over the handling of the meeting and the focus on the budget rather than the Board of Adjustments.
As the meeting progressed, the atmosphere remained tense, with members exchanging pointed remarks about the conduct of the meeting and the implications of their decisions. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue the budget discussion, although the path forward remained uncertain due to the ongoing disputes among the board members.
Overall, the meeting highlighted significant divisions within the Board of Aldermen regarding procedural rules and priorities, setting the stage for further discussions on the budget and the governance of city affairs in future meetings.