Cavanagh proposes commissioners hold agenda session
Fayette County Commissioner Sean M. Cavanagh has asked his colleagues to schedule an agenda meeting to discuss all other items added to the agenda for the Dec. 27 special meeting where they’ll approve the budget for 2003. Cavanagh said the agenda meeting is needed so the commissioners can comply with their own policy, which calls for an agenda meeting prior to a regular meeting.
“For some reason, this was neglected and we need to adhere to the rules established by the commissioners,” wrote Cavanagh in a memorandum to fellow Commissioners Ronald M. Nehls and Vincent A. Vicites.
“Our rules (require) that we must have agenda meetings so that we can continue to discuss the issues publicly. The final meeting (in December) is not just for the budget. There are several other outstanding matters that must be decided.”
Cavanagh asked that the agenda meeting be scheduled for Monday, Dec. 23, but added that he’s willing to hold it Dec. 24 if necessary.
One of the items the commissioners plan to tackle on Dec. 27 concerns filling a multitude of board appointments, including two slots on the Fayette County Housing Authority and one slot on the Fayette County Airport Authority.
Cavanagh said Thursday that the commissioners should not forego the agenda meeting requirement if they intend to put other matters on the special meeting agenda.
“If we’re (only) going to approve a budget, that’s no problem,” said Cavanagh. “But if we’re going to put all these other items on, we need to discuss them at an agenda meeting. The commissioners should not violate their own rules.
“The process should not be circumvented … We have rules and regulations that we’ve adopted. We need to follow them to give the public an understanding of the issues. (We also need) to give them the opportunity, if they’re interested, to come to the regularly scheduled commissioners’ meeting knowing what’s going to be voted on.”
Cavanagh said he spoke to Nehls about the request and he “seemed to be OK” with having the agenda meeting on the Monday before Christmas.