Council schedules August 7 work meeting to improve staff-council coordination

Chair opened the resumed session and introduced Item 12, asking whether the council wanted to convene a work meeting separate from its regular meetings. "We're now back in a regular session," the Chair said, then allowed a council member to explain the request.

A council member (Council member (S3)) said Scott had asked for a work meeting so councilors and staff could share feedback informally and stay "apprised" of town developments. "It's just a work meeting. You don't take public comment in that meeting and you're able to ask staff," Council member (S3) said.

Members discussed operating a rotating coverage model for Friday work sessions so not all councilors would be required to attend every time. The group settled on allowing one council member to attend and rotate the duty, with a second council member serving as a backup when possible. Council members emphasized the sessions are informational and do not replace formal agenda meetings.

Council members also flagged legal and ethical constraints: Council member (S3) noted that if a member had prior involvement with an item they should disclose it because it could present a conflict of interest. The group set a work meeting for August 7 at 9:00 a.m., and staff (Megan) will notice that meeting. Members agreed to coordinate availability by text or email in the days before the meeting.

Why it matters: The pilot aims to improve staff-council communication and reduce surprises at formal meetings, while preserving the formal meeting record and the public's opportunity to comment during regular meetings.