Minutes - 20090414 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Laura Blackmon said that she tries to remember to tell the Chair what items have to be discussed and what items can wait. Chair Foushee asked if the Board wanted to eliminate the mandatory adjournment time and Commissioner Jacobs said that if it says, "Mandatory adjournment time at 10:30 p.m., unless waived by unanimous consent," then it would be ok. He said that he has always had mixed feelings because it allows one Board member to be involved in the discussion if he/she needs to leave, but it also allows one Board member to stop the Board in its tracks. He thinks that the 7:00 p.m. start time is better. The Board agreed to keep the mandatory adjournment time at 10:30 p.m. unless there is unanimous consent to continue the meeting after the adjournment time. 3. Hold occasional daytime work sessions (to ease burden on staff and others of evening commitments) Commissioner Yuhasz said that this is a good idea, but has not received much support. He suggested looking at something quarterly to see how this would work. Commissioner Gordon said that she would like for the Board to try and work smarter and make better use of existing meetings time before adding daytime meetings. Commissioner Hemminger said that there have been so many meetings lately; it would be difficult to try and find a quarterly meeting during the daytime. Chair Foushee said that she would not like to hold a daytime meeting unless all County Commissioners could attend. She would not like for a Commissioner to have to choose between work and elective duties. Commissioner Nelson said that holding meetings during the day limits the people that can run for this office. He said that he would not be able to attend a meeting during the day. Commissioner Gordon agreed with Chair Foushee. Chair Foushee said that rather than say the Board would never do that, as the Board changes, there may be changes on this subject. Commissioner Yuhasz said that as long as there is no policy against holding day meetings, then the option remains open. He suggested deleting this one. The Board agreed to delete this item. Commissioner Jacobs pointed out that some people work at night and have conflicts with night meetings. Chair Foushee agreed and said that the Board should be considerate of certain schedules. 4. Limit amount of time each commissioner can speak on an item to minutes. Chair Foushee said that the three-minute limit has been working for Board comments. Commissioner Gordon said that the Board should try and work smarter to better utilize meeting time before limiting time to speak. Commissioner Yuhasz said that he may want to speak longer on one subject than another and it would be hard to time. He suggested relying on each Commissioner to be attentive to time. Commissioner Jacobs said that all Commissioners should look to the Chair for timing issues. Commissioner Hemminger said that the Chair should give a gentle reminder.