Minutes 01-16-2026 - Retreat - Laserfiche WebLink

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32 Commissioner Greene concurred with Commissioner McKee. She referred to part A on page 13. She said that it should be decided by the Chair and the Vice-Chair. Commissioner Bedford said it refers to the "Board," and asked if it should really be the Chair and the Vice-Chair deciding. She related some instances when she was Chair and needed to decide if a commissioner petition was going on the agenda or could be addressed by staff or if it wasn't going any further. Commissioner McKee asked if a petition that didn't move forward if it was brought up again. Commissioner Bedford said if they weren't sure they put it on a work session. She gave examples of different scenarios during her time as Chair. Commissioner McKee said he wasn't sure this was at the level to require adding language to the Rules of Procedure. He said if a commissioner makes a petition that is not put on an agenda, the commissioner could potentially get it addressed by getting four votes to add it. Commissioner Greene said Rule 8.a could be more explicit, but she agreed with Commissioner McKee. She said any four commissioners have the ability to add something through the agenda. Commissioner Carter said she agrees with Commissioner McKee and Commissioner Greene and that the current process provides flexibility. She said if a petition is brought up and the Chair believes it is not the right time to address the issue, the Chair and Vice-Chair can bring it up during agenda review. She said if a commissioner feels strong and has the votes, it can be addressed at that time. Chair Hamilton said one consideration is staff capacity. She said she would want to know if there is support on the Board for a petition before staff begins working on the topic. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if her petitions should have included getting other commissioners to support her request prior to making them. She said that wasn't clear to her. She asked how the Chair and Vice-Chair let commissioners know that their petitions weren't going to be addressed. Commissioner Bedford said that the Chair and Vice-Chair get back to commissioners. She said sometimes they've considered petitions at work sessions if they are unsure of Board member support. Commissioner Greene said there was a time when she was told ahead of time that a planned petition would not be put on an agenda, unless she found the additional votes to add it, which she did. Commissioner Bedford said she didn't consider that a formal petition at the time, which is why it was not put on a work session. Commissioner Greene said she didn't understand what the problem is. Commissioner Bedford said it isn't a big problem, but they are trying to be better at communicators. Chair Hamilton suggested that if Board members petition at the formal time during a business meeting, it will go to the Chair and Vice-Chair at agenda review. She said if it is not going to be put on an agenda, they will let that commissioner know. She said then, if that commissioner wants to bring it back to the Board, they can, and the Board will vote on whether to pursue the petition. She said at that point, staff will be assigned to research and the topic will need to be put on a future agenda. Commissioner McKee said he thought that was the current process. Vice-Chair Fowler said she thinks that Board members were not all sure of the process. Commissioner McKee said he doesn't see a difference between what the current process is and what Chair Hamilton described. He said he feels like he can get his petitions addressed one way or another