Erie staff to publish full agenda packets and attachments online for transparency

Michelle, a town staff member, showed the board how full agenda packets and attachments will be posted on the town website and in Granicus so residents and board members can view presentation materials before meetings. "We wanted to make sure that we keep everything in your agenda, minutes, packets available to the public," Michelle said, noting that attachments create a true packet rather than a one-line agenda item.

Staff explained that presenters should try to submit materials about one week in advance; the town is required to post meeting materials at least 24 hours before a meeting and cannot make changes after that without cancelling and re-noticing the meeting. Michelle said staff can prepare an agenda memo that explains the presentation's purpose, recommended staff action and timing and that staff will assist with uploading attachments to the agenda center.

The presentation covered how the packet links work on the public website, how attachments are listed and how a packet can be pulled into a public record system (Laserfiche). Michelle encouraged presenters to provide a two-line summary, an estimated presentation length and any attachments; staff will place those items in the memo so the public knows what to expect before the meeting.

Board members asked whether draft documents and prior minutes could be included; Michelle said previous minutes and drafts can be posted via an agenda memo and staff will do so on request. Staff emphasized that creating packets with attachments is optional and will be used when presentations or supplemental materials add value to the public record.