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Board weighs changing committee schedules to run back-to-back, solicitor urges formal action
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Summary
Board members and administrators discussed a proposal to advertise committee meetings so they run consecutively (for example, finance at 6 p.m. followed immediately by property), citing efficiency; the solicitor recommended placing the change on a future board agenda to comply with the Sunshine Act.
During board comment at the April 20 work session, members discussed a proposal to modify how committee meetings are advertised so that committees run back-to-back instead of at separately scheduled times.
An administrator explained the proposal: "We would propose is that the language we propose would be property is at 6 and then what would follow property? ... Finance to follow or finance at 6 with property to immediately begin at the conclusion of the finance meeting," the administrator said, describing a change to how meetings would be advertised and run to reduce downtime between committees.
Supporters noted administrative efficiencies and potential reductions in late‑night work for staff. Some board members, however, raised concerns about unpredictability for members and the public if the second meeting’s start time depends on the first meeting’s length. Missus Hermans said she was open to discussion but concerned about convenience and suggested examining a committee-of-the-whole option and whether changes should wait for board reorganization in December.
Mister Fitzgerald, the board solicitor, advised formal process and compliance with open-meeting law: "I would suggest I don't think it has to go back to a policy committee necessarily. I do think though for purposes of of the Sunshine Act, we should put this on as a discussion and potential action item at a subsequent board meeting," he said.
The board directed staff to add the item for discussion at the next meeting so members can consider language changes and potential consequences for scheduling, public notice and committee work.
What’s next: the board agreed to add the item to the following week's agenda as a discussion and potential action item so the body can make any change with appropriate public notice and legal guidance.
