Disorganizational meeting
Did I read this right?
The Northwestern reports this morning that the newly seated Common Council has decided that it can amend its agenda by adding new items just 36 hours before it meets.
That's a great way to make sure that citizens don't see things coming.
Those who voted for this change were the Towers Two, Esslinger, McHugh and Palmeri.
The Northwestern reports this morning that the newly seated Common Council has decided that it can amend its agenda by adding new items just 36 hours before it meets.
That's a great way to make sure that citizens don't see things coming.
Those who voted for this change were the Towers Two, Esslinger, McHugh and Palmeri.
posted by Miles Maguire at 7:10 AM
7 Comments:
Let's monitor what they do with this change.
I'm almost to the point that Council Members Statements should be abolished but there is no chance that will happen.
The Council Members Statement has become round two of most Council meetings. It's their ego time to spout out about anything city or city unrelated.
Miles-
Your point is why Council Member King and I voted against the change.
I, personally, do not see an issue with getting an agenda item to city staff at least three days prior to a council meeting (usually the Friday before a Tuesday meeting).
If a council member falls into the routine of submitting items only 36 hours before a meeting, then I do not see how that councilor can criticize the timeline of items that come to the council from a board or commission, which has been the subject of past criticism.
-Bryan
Exactly right.
This is not "good governance."
I have personally always had my agenda items in before Friday at noon, but I voted for the change because of three arguments stated at the meeting:
1. Mayor Tower said that the policy as it was written was not the actual practice; i.e. councilors and staff have historically asked on the Monday before the meeting that something be placed on the agenda. They have been allowed to do that because providing 24 hours notice meets the statutory minimum. Mayor Tower belied that our stated policy should match the actual practice, and I agree with that. (Consistency between policy and deed would seem to be part of "good governance.").
2. Burk Tower made the point that city staff are the individuals who most frequently add items to the agenda on the Mondays, so it is not the case, most often, of councilors doing it.
3. Paul Esslinger made the point that sometimes things come up over weekend that might require council action or statements. I'm not sure what kinds of items he has in mind, but I can imagine a scenario in which a major story involving public safety or some other vital interest breaks on a Saturday or Sunday. I don't think it would be inappropriate for such a situation to be placed on the agenda.
I should also say that Bryan, in this blog space, makes a good argument against the change, but he did not speak to the issue during the organizational meeting. Jess King's major argument against the change was that it's more respectful to staff to hand in items by Friday at noon. I don't recall her saying anything about criticizing the timelines of boards or commission.
Perhaps if Bryan had made the argument at the actual meeting we might have had a different vote.
Tony as usual gives a long explanation why he votes the way he does. I guess it's Bain's and King's fault why he didn't vote no!
The first point by Mr. Palmeri should have been handled by making your practice match the policy i.e. Have it in by Friday or wait till the next meeting. While it is true the law allows changes up to 24 hours before a meeting I see no reason to cut it so close since most seem to be able to meet the Friday deadline.
Doesn't this relate only to council members? I wouldn't have a problem with allowing the City Manager to add something to the agenda with less notice if such item were "a major story involving public safety or some other vital interest breaks on a Saturday or Sunday."
Seems to me Mr. Bain's stand on the issue is much the same as Ms. King's so I don't see how had he echoed Ms. King's comments it would have changed the vote...
The Council can't win even when staying well within the notification rules.
Why would someone want to hold public office? Seriously, why? Thank you to those who are taking one for the team – Team Oshkosh, on which people find fault in the weirdest things.
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