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Conyers council debates draft town-hall and ex parte communication policies, tables ex parte until May
Summary
Council reviewed a proposed town-hall policy to set advertising and format guidelines and a draft ex parte communications policy aimed at limiting off-the-record influence on quasi-judicial matters; members raised concerns about restrictions on listening sessions and constituent contacts and voted to table the ex parte policy until 05/06/2026.
City staff presented two draft governance items at the Conyers work session: a town-hall policy to guide advertising, format and time constraints for public engagement events, and an ex parte communication policy designed to limit off-the-record communications that could influence quasi-judicial decisions such as zoning.
On the town-hall policy, staff said the goal was to give a consistent framework—advertise at least one week before events, treat meetings as informational with no votes, and provide equal time constraints for speakers—while allowing the convening member flexibility to set format and limits. Staff emphasized the policy was intended as guidance rather than an immediate requirement, noting town-hall guidelines would not bind meetings until formally adopted.
Council members debated whether the draft would improperly restrict mayoral "listening sessions" or prevent members from engaging informally with constituents and prospective businesses. One councilmember asked whether private conversations at places like grocery stores would be barred; staff replied the policy specifically targets communications about the merits or outcomes of a pending covered proceeding and does not prohibit general policy discussion.
On the ex parte policy, several councilmembers expressed concern that limiting off-record contacts could hamper responsiveness and business recruitment. After discussion, a motion to table Item 8 (the ex parte communication procedure) until 05/06/2026 passed with all councilmembers voting in favor.
Next steps: staff asked councilmembers to email suggested edits to the town-hall draft; the ex parte policy will return for further review on the May 6 agenda per the council motion.
