Williamsport home rule commission elects J. David Smith as chair, adopts operating rules and approves legal and AV services

J. David Smith was elected chair of the Williamsport Home Rule Government Study Commission at its first official meeting, and the commission adopted a set of operating rules and initial contracts to support its 18‑month study.

The commission convened in the Michael Ross Room at the Trade and Transit Center. Commissioners approved a proposed meeting schedule — alternating Thursdays at 6 p.m., beginning July 2 — and voted to mirror City Council’s public‑participation procedures with comments limited to matters related to the home rule initiative and a three‑minute time limit for speakers. "So, we prepared proposed meeting dates based on the Williamsport City Council schedule," said Valerie Fesler, who presented the calendar.

Why it matters: those organizational steps establish how the commission will operate while it examines possible changes to city government under Pennsylvania home rule law. The rules set the calendar for public outreach and determine how many members may participate remotely during any meeting — a practical detail that affects quorum and deliberations.

Key procedural decisions and outcomes

- Election of officers: With nominations opened for chair and vice chair, J. David Smith (also recorded earlier as David Smith) was declared elected chair by acclamation; Carolyn Payne was declared vice chair by acclamation.

- Meeting schedule and public rules: The commission adopted a calendar of meetings (alternating Thursdays, 6 p.m.) and public comment rules (opening and closing comment periods; comments limited to home‑rule topics; three‑minute limit). The commission also adopted a remote‑participation rule for commissioners that allows remote attendance while limiting the number of remote participants counted toward quorum; the body decided a quorum is four members and that, for procedural votes, at most two of the four counted toward quorum may be remote.

- Records and staffing: Commissioners agreed to appoint a single secretary of record rather than rotating the role. By acclamation they appointed Briana Stetts to serve as secretary of record for meetings.

- Contracts: The commission approved extending legal services from McCormack Law Firm and a proposal from the AV contractor identified as "Chris," each at the same terms and rates those vendors provide to City Council. A McCormack Law Firm representative explained the firm would provide the same scope and rate the city council receives. Commissioners emphasized that final city expenditures and any required formal authorization or ratification rest with City Council because the city controls the budget lines that would cover these services.

Quotes and context

Valerie Fesler summarized schedule planning: "So, we prepared proposed meeting dates based on the Williamsport City Council schedule." A representative of McCormack Law Firm described the proposal as "the same services" and "under the same terms" as the firm provides to City Council.

Next steps and follow‑up

The body formed a budget subcommittee to develop a budget for the 18‑month study and asked that written cost proposals for consultant services be circulated to commissioners and the subcommittee before the next public meeting. Commissioners flagged that, depending on the dollar amount and procurement rules, City Council may need to formally authorize expenditures and ratify contracts. The commission’s next formal meeting is scheduled for July 2; commissioners also discussed scheduling a special public meeting before that date to review consultant proposals.