Clay County Constitution Review Commission elects chair and vice chair, sets 90-day deadline

The newly formed Clay County Constitution Review Commission convened for an organizational meeting in which members were sworn in, senior county staff reviewed legal and procedural obligations and the commission selected leadership and an early meeting schedule.

Kevin Graham, the county attorney, administered housekeeping guidance and told commissioners they are now part of a public body subject to the Sunshine Law. "You are now part of a public body, which means you're subject to the sunshine law now," Graham said, adding that staff would publish agendas and assist with minutes and ballot language.

Graham also set a timeline for the commission's work: "From today, you have 90 days to complete your work," he said, identifying June 2 as the deadline. He explained the practical effect on ballot timing: if the commission submits language to the election board by May 26 it could appear on the August ballot; otherwise, it would go on the November ballot.

The commission nominated leadership and then voted to approve the ticket. A member identified in the record as Anthony was nominated for chair and Natalie Scholl was nominated for vice chair; the nomination was closed and, according to the record, the motion was approved unanimously. Graham announced the result: "It's unanimous." The transcript does not record individual vote tallies.

Members then discussed a recurring meeting schedule. After noting conflicts with Wednesdays for some members, the group agreed to meet at 4:00 p.m. on upcoming meeting dates, scheduling an initial meeting for the 11th and a follow-up for the 18th; staff said they would circulate a fuller calendar and avoid a week affected by local spring break.

David Hodge, introduced in the meeting as county administrator, walked through the planned public comment process and deadlines. Staff will post agendas in advance, collect and aggregate written public comments to distribute to commissioners, and work with the commission on invitations to outside offices or elected officials to present at meetings. Hodge stressed that ballot language, once prepared, will be submitted directly to the election board rather than returned to the county commission.

The meeting closed after brief final remarks and a reminder to sign oath forms before leaving. The commission was reminded of quorum rules (four members) and cautioned against private polling or group communications that would violate the Sunshine Law.