Public speaker warns of confusing notices; committee keeps regular schedule and sets town-hall dates

A public commenter, introduced to the committee as Dr. Keesee, told the Augusta Richmond County Charter Review Committee that a Jan. 28 public notice and inconsistent calendar entries caused confusion and likely kept some members of the public from attending a rescheduled meeting. The commenter asked that the committee ensure notices and agendas match across official calendars and consider subscription-based updates for schedule changes.

The committee discussed the concern and the limits of its scheduling authority. Commissioners emphasized the statutory requirement for regular meetings and the need to provide adequate notice and time for members and the public to review materials. Legal advisers said the committee may call special meetings in urgent circumstances but cautioned against overusing special-called meetings for routine business.

After discussion, the committee agreed to maintain its regularly scheduled every-other-Thursday meetings and to cancel only when there is no business to transact. The committee also confirmed tentative dates for public town halls and upcoming meetings: Feb. 19 (location: Brigham), Feb. 26 (Julian Smith Casino) and regular meetings planned for March 5 and March 19. Staff was directed to circulate clean copies of pending charter language and to label the latest drafts clearly to avoid future confusion.

The chair emphasized the committee’s role is to frame proposed charter language and to educate the public via town halls once drafts are finalized. Commissioners asked staff and the Carl Vinson Institute to coordinate on timing so the committee can respond promptly while preserving public notice requirements.

The committee closed the discussion without altering its bylaws on meeting frequency.