Council member urges new rule: council-originated items should start at work sessions to improve transparency

Council member Leake told the Milton City Council that council-originated items should be introduced at the city's monthly work session before being placed on a regular council meeting agenda so members and the public have adequate time to review proposals.

Leake said incoming agendas on Friday leave little time for members to consult staff before the council meeting and that placing council-driven items first in the work session would give members and citizens an opportunity to hear and vet proposals before a vote. Several council members and staff agreed in principle, while residents and other council members urged some flexibility for time-sensitive or routine administrative matters such as letters of support or special event permits.

Pam Mitchell urged that strict rules not prevent timely action on community-benefit requests, citing a recent Lowe's grant with a short deadline as an example. Staff recommended distinguishing between routine business that can go directly to a council meeting and larger policy or program items that should start at workshops. Mr. Spears said staff will request a brief paragraph describing any council-member-driven item to be included on the cover sheet for meetings going forward.

No ordinance change or formal vote was taken at the work session; the council discussed a staff practice change and agreed to return items to the workshop process when appropriate.