Meeting time change fails approval vote

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January 24, 2010

By CARRIE STAMBAUGH — The Independent The Daily Independent Sun Jan 24, 2010, 10:37 PM EST

Ashland — Ashland City Commissioners voted Thursday to continue holding both of its monthly meetings at

7 p.m. despite a call by one member for change.

Commissioner Cheryl Spriggs proposed the first monthly meeting of the month start at noon. The commission currently meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the City Building.

Spriggs said she believes an afternoon meeting would allow residents who rely on public transportation to attend as well as individuals who may work evening shifts. The Ashland Bus System stops running at 6 p.m.

More city employees, who are in the building during the day, would also be able to attend, she said. Spriggs said she has been approached by several residents who support the change.

“I just think it’s a good thing for the citizens,” Spriggs said.

The commission is only required by Kentucky law to meet once monthly but has historically met twice a month throughout most of the year to ensure business is conducted in a timely fashion, City Attorney Richard “Sonny” Martin said.

The commission only holds one meeting each year in July and December. The first meeting of July is canceled in observance of Independence Day and the second meeting in December is not held in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Spriggs was ultimately the only commissioner to vote for the change, but it appeared several others at least entertained the idea before casting their opposition votes.

Commissioner Kevin Gunderson said he thought Spriggs made a good point as far as the bus service not running in the evenings. Although he ultimately voted against a motion to change the meetings, he initially proposed having a new meeting ordinance drafted and placed on the agenda for further debate and citizen input.

To change an ordinance, commissioners must hold two separate readings and votes.

Commissioner Marty Gute also voted against the change but said first, “I don’t have a problem with it.” He expressed concern that it would diminish the quality of the commission’s discussions if a member of the commission was routinely unable to attend the noon meeting because of work obligations.

Commissioner Larry Brown opposed the change because he said he would not be able to attend all the noon meetings due to his job with Kentucky Power.

He argued the meetings have been at 7 p.m. for decades and that he believed fewer residents would be able to attend because they also work.

“I did not think it was appropriate at all,” he said.

CARRIE STAMBAUGH can be reached at cstambaugh@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.

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