Commissioners debate inviting IMC to attend IA meetings; formal directive withdrawn, chair to extend invitations

Commissioners on May 8 debated whether to require members of the Independent Management Committee to attend Blueprint IA meetings. Commissioner O'Keefe said IMC members historically sat with the board and that their absence limits the board’s oversight; she moved that the IA "direct the IMC to regularly attend and participate in our meetings." Legal counsel advised the motion was not a proper order because the board cannot compel employees or other entities outside its direct authority in that manner. Commissioner Matlow moved to appeal the chair’s ruling on the motion but later withdrew the appeal. The chair said she would invite IMC members to attend future meetings and encouraged commissioners to meet with IMC leadership individually if they wanted updates. Why it matters: The IMC reports to the board on Blueprint project operations; commissioners expressed concern that IMC representatives have not consistently been present for board meetings. Outcome: No formal binding directive was adopted; the chair will invite the IMC to attend voluntarily. Ending: Commissioners were urged to meet directly with IMC leadership when needed; no further formal action was taken during the meeting.