Pueblo West directors said the recently piloted work sessions have improved preparation for formal board meetings but cautioned the practice has the potential to multiply meetings and reduce candid, informal discussion.

District Manager Christian J. Hein explained the sessions were designed to allow board members to review the agenda, ask questions and obtain staff input before an action meeting. Directors said the sessions have, at times, shortened Monday meetings by moving technical or clarifying discussions to the Friday work sessions.

Several directors praised the sessions for speeding decision-making and helping new board members learn district operations. But others warned that live-streaming and added formality can make work sessions feel like another official meeting rather than a preparatory conversation. One concern raised was that, as the work sessions become more formal, the district may end up effectively holding four meetings in a month rather than two—creating greater preparation burdens for staff and directors.

Board members discussed alternatives, including a single expanded work session followed by an action meeting, or structuring discussion and action in separate weeks (for example, a midweek discussion followed by a later action meeting). Christian Hein said he would summarize the trial-period observations and package options for the incoming board to consider.

No formal policy change was adopted at the work session; staff will present options and recommendations to the board, including whether to continue the current cadence or adopt a variant that preserves the sessions’ benefits while reducing meeting load.