Council extends application window for Vision Plan advisory committee before final selection

Staff described the Vision Plan advisory committee as a 10‑person steering group created by ordinance in October 2025 to help recruit public input for a 10‑year town vision. Municipal Clerk Laura Henson said the town had received 12 applications to date and asked council to place the appointments on the Feb. 2 agenda.

Council members pressed staff on outreach and selection mechanics. Several members said the town should do broader outreach — through the chamber, homeowner associations and town communications — to attract new voices. Some council members argued the committee is a short‑term, roughly six‑month steering group whose primary role is to bring residents to public meetings rather than to make final policy.

Council discussed voting procedures if dozens of applicants arrive, noting concerns about secret ballots and the public nature of votes. Staff advised that each applicant would need to be considered under open‑meeting rules unless the council chooses a lawful alternative selection process.

A motion to place the advisory‑committee appointments on the Feb. 2 agenda included an amendment to leave the application window open through the 29th; the amendment passed (majority recorded in the work session). Council asked staff to provide applicant materials and recommended selection procedures prior to the Feb. 2 meeting so members could review potential candidates.

What’s next: The application packet and proposed selection process will be circulated to council before Feb. 2; the council will act on appointments at the Feb. 2 meeting.