Another attempt to modify the Lexington Council’s rules and procedures to eliminate formal readings of certain ordinances and resolutions during meetings has failed to move forward. The issue, brought forward by Vice Mayor Steve Kays, was before the council’s General Government and Social Services Committee Tuesday.
The Louisville’s Metro Council provides for a consent agenda. Lexington Council member Susan Lamb says it’s a different approach to decision making. “Louisville’s council members are full time. The administration or the divisions and departments in Louisville don’t bring items forward like we do here in Lexington,” said Lamb.
Lamb served in the council clerk’s office for 21 years. The clerk conducts the readings as council meetings.
Vice Mayor Kay contends the current practice of public readings doesn’t provide that much information to people in the community. “There were objections raised about the burden that would place on the administration and it got kind of complex and I understand all that. But, I remain interested in having the council function as effectively as possible,” said Kay.
This was the fifth time since Lexington merged government in 1974 the issue has been discussed at city hall. ?
