Reason to add an item to the agenda in advance: If a business item needs to be discussed and potentially result in Commission action, there should be lead time for notification to Commission members, for staff and Commissioner research of facts and precedents, and for quiet reflection prior to any action. Fast decisions are more risky than reasoned decisions. Items introduced only under New Business, unless very routine, would necessarily or usually be deferred for final Commission response until at least the next meeting three months later.
Reason for deadline: The business agenda and informational documents related to an upcoming quarterly Commission meeting are processed and mailed to Commissioners to arrive no later than the first of the month of in which each Commission meeting occurs. Time must be allowed before the first of the month of a meeting in order to make the necessary copies, research any relevant information that needs to be communicated in the agenda packet, and allow Commissioners sufficient lead time to consider any item proposed for discussion or action. The higher any public expectation of action at a particular Commission meeting, the greater is the time needed to prepare supporting information for sharing and consideration.