The Town of Cheektowaga board adopted an update to its rules of procedure to increase transparency around late‑filed resolutions and to set a clearer process for adding waiver (suspension‑of‑rules) items to meeting agendas.

Supervisor Nowak described the package (Resolution 20 26-9) as two main changes: moving a resolution‑filing deadline to noon the Wednesday before a meeting, and creating a written waiver process for late filings that requires submission to the town clerk, town attorney and the supervisor; the supervisor then has 24 hours to approve or deny addition to the agenda, and silence within 24 hours is treated as approval. The resolution also specifies that any suspension‑of‑rules item must have a sponsor and a second.

Board members pushed back on the written‑approval requirement and the timeline, and one member successfully moved an amendment creating a 'hard deadline' clause: no resolutions will be accepted less than 24 hours prior to the start of a board meeting except for documented emergencies. The amendment passed and, following discussion, the board voted to approve the rules resolution as amended.

Supporters said the changes increase predictability and transparency for the public and town staff; critics said written pre‑approval could limit members' rights to file items and that the timeline should be clear to ensure public posting before meetings. Under the new rule, the supervisor retains the authority to deny a waiver item, but the board may override that denial by majority vote.

What happens next: The board adopted the amended rules; implementation will require the clerk and town attorney to adopt the new submission and notice processes and the board to apply the new 24‑hour standard in future meetings.