Ozark aldermen shorten meeting start time and adopt consent‑agenda rules to speed hearings

The Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to adopt a set of ordinances changing meeting procedures: moving the start time for regular aldermanic meetings to 6:30 p.m., adopting a consent‑agenda process for routine items, and clarifying times when citizens may address the board. The measures amend Chapter 110 of the City of Ozark municipal code and were enacted as ordinances 25‑042 (meeting time), 25‑043 (order of business and consent agenda) and 25‑044 (times citizens may speak).

Alderman Galloway explained the change in meeting time was meant to reduce late‑night adjournments and make attendance easier for residents; the proposal moves evening meetings from 7 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and was described as aligning Ozark with common practice in nearby municipalities. The ordinance passed on second reading and by roll call; all five present voted aye.

On the consent agenda, Alderman Galloway and staff described the intent as focusing meeting time on substantive public matters while grouping routine administrative items — for example, accepting donations, establishing memorials, surplus property sales and certain expenditures and contracts — on a consent list that will be posted with the regular agenda. City staff said the consent agenda will be published in advance (typically posted on the city website by the Friday before a Monday meeting) and each consent item will include the bill title and supporting documents. Any member of the public may remove an item for discussion by signing up with the city clerk by noon the Friday before the meeting or by filling out a card at the meeting before the consent agenda is set; two aldermen may also remove an item for discussion.

During the first reading, resident Jeanie McFaul asked whether fee increases would appear on the consent agenda; staff said the recent fee study was not currently listed among consent items and that ordinance or fee changes would not be placed on consent. The Board clarified that any member of the public who wants an item removed can sign up via Zoom (when available) or in person and that the consent agenda format will list items under a single heading on the published agenda.

The board enacted the ordinances after the second readings and roll‑call votes. The changes take effect per the municipal code adoption schedule and will be reflected on future agendas and the city’s public‑meeting materials.