The City of Owensboro is considering changing the City Commission meeting schedule times to make meetings more convenient for the public to attend.
Currently, the commission convenes three times each month: on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. for a regular meeting, and at 12 p.m. on the second Tuesday for a work session. No official business can be conducted during work sessions unless it is changed to a special called meeting beforehand.
After consulting the Commissioners and city administration, City Manager Nate Pagan recently proposed three options to consider:
- A regular meeting at 5 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month and 12 p.m. for a work session (which could be changed to a special called meeting if business is necessary) on the third Tuesday.
- A regular meeting at 5 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month, and a regular meeting at 12 p.m. on the third Tuesday.
- A regular meeting at 5 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month, and a 4 p.m. work session on the third Tuesday followed by a 5 p.m. regular meeting.
Pagan recommended the second option, but any change to the schedule will have to be approved by the Commission.
Pagan told the Commission that meeting twice monthly is average for most larger cities in the state. He added that schedule helps keep a constant flow of employment appointments, something Pagan was encouraged to do by the City’s Manager of Human Resources Josh Bachmeier.
Last week when Pagan presented the idea, Commissioners had varying opinions on the options. Sharon NeSmith said she did not prefer the second option, but enjoyed the third option of combining the work session with a regular meeting.
“When you do a noon [meeting], I’m afraid that that would eliminate the opportunities for citizens and interested parties to attend the meetings. So I think the afternoon meeting does allow that. There are still a lot of people that work 9-5, and so hopefully they can get here to see what’s going on,” she said.
Commissioners Bob Glenn and Mark Castlen also liked the third option. Glenn noted that having a consistent schedule of meetings at 5 p.m. will be something that the public can remember versus having to switch times. Castlen said it would be better overall for most residents due to work schedules.
“As far as those that work swing shift or whatever, I don’t feel like there’s going to be as much participation as there would be from those that typically work the 9-5,” Castlen said. “…So making it available to the majority with option three would definitely be the way to go.”
Commissioner Pam Smith-Wright said that she preferred option two from the list and acknowledged that they wouldn’t be able to accommodate all residents’ schedules, but said when something is important to them, they find a way to get to the meeting.
“We’ve been doing this for years, having this work session, and we’re still working for the people, even right now, and they’re not here because they’re at work. So we’re not going to always be able to accommodate every single person’s working schedule,” she said.
Pagan said he is open to finding new solutions if there are other options presented.
