Board defers vote on switching to monthly meetings pending state update

Staff proposed shifting the board's regular schedule from twice a month to once a month (first Wednesday) for October, citing progress in preparing materials. Several members pushed back, saying that with scoring methodology, application approval and state reviews outstanding, once-a-month meetings might not be enough to complete necessary work.

"I think we're still in a very crucial space and place that once a month is just not enough," one board member said, arguing that the board needs time to establish committees, finalize scoring and respond quickly when the state sets timelines. The board agreed to delay a formal vote on changing the recurring schedule until after the next meeting(s) and after inviting OSE to update the body on statewide timing and approvals.

Staff said they would provide the proposed October dates and follow up with OSE so the agency could attend a meeting and brief the board. The board tentatively listed October 7 as the next meeting date.