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Council refers proposal to trim informational committee reports to Rules Committee after mixed feedback
Summary
Alderman Ellis proposed that informational reports from volunteer boards and commissions not be read at each council meeting; council voted 8–1 to send the idea to the Rules Committee for further discussion after members offered differing views about public awareness and efficiency.
The Common Council on Sept. 17 voted to refer to the Rules Committee a proposal from Alderman Ellis to stop routinely reporting informational updates from boards and commissions during council meetings and instead consider alternative formats such as an announcements section.
Alderman Ellis said informational reports that do not require council action should not occupy council floor time and recommended the matter be discussed by the Rules Committee. “Informational issues from committees that are informational only not be reported out to council,” he said.
Other council members objected. Alderman Erickson said such reports keep the public informed about what volunteers and boards are doing and that the time cost is small: “I think it’s good to share information about what’s going on in the community.” Council President Borchardt and others suggested creating a short announcements category at the end of the agenda as a possible compromise.
After discussion, the council voted 8–1 to send the proposal to the Rules Committee for more work; the committee will consider options for format and frequency and return recommendations to council.
