Council moves to expand social‑services commission to seven members, schedules interviews

The New Carlisle City Council voted Aug. 4 to pursue an ordinance amending the Social Services Commission from five members to seven and set a schedule for interviews and appointments.

Council leaders said the change aims to allow the commission to begin work without delay while expanding membership. City Manager Mr. Hall said council will prepare an emergency ordinance for the Sept. 2 meeting, hold interviews at a Sept. 8 work session and make appointments with an oath on Sept. 22, with the hope the commission will meet in October.

Legal counsel Mr. Jeffreys told council the ordinance change requires a set membership number because that number determines quorum. Councilmembers discussed the risk that fixed membership could slow the commission if members resign; Mr. Jeffreys said a quorum would still allow the commission to operate with fewer than the maximum number of members.

Council also asked for a council designee to serve as liaison between the commission and city council. At the meeting council appointed Carrie Ann as the liaison; council voted to confirm the liaison appointment by recorded vote (accepted 6‑0‑1).

The council motion to schedule the Sept. 8 work session for interviews was made and seconded on the record and carried by roll call (accepted 6‑0‑1). No policy questions or commission appointments beyond the schedule were decided at the Aug. 4 meeting; council members directed staff to prepare the emergency ordinance and the interview schedule.