The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly voted in favor of an ordinance to quicken the process for items deemed “non-controversial” last week.
There was much discussion on the ordinance before it passed.
Assemblyman Mako Haggerty…
Haggerty: “My problem is is what’s non-confrontational for me apparently apparently is controversial for other people so I’m apparently a bad judge of what’s controversial and what’s not, so therefore I believe everyone else is a bad judge of that too and that’s why I’m going to vote no on this.”
Assembly member Stan Welles brought forward concerns of passing grants too quickly, which are generally considered as “routine”.
Welles: “And given our constricting budget, I feel a greater burden to start looking more at grants for one area, so I’d really like to discourage this ordinance.”
Assembly woman Kelly Cooper reminded everyone that there is still the option of the long process.
Cooper: “The process allows public testimony for items on the consent agenda, we can pull things from the consent agenda at any time, any one of us can, so I don’t necessarily believe that we’re not being transparent or not allowing the process to happen, it’s just a matter of pulling it off.”
The ordinance can eliminate the 25 days which had been required for “routine” ordinances, where another meeting was held between when the ordinance is introduced and the meeting where action is required, also eliminating a public hearing.
Assembly President Dale Bagley reassured before that if any assembly member would like to further discuss an item placed on the consent agenda, it can be taken off and go through the regular process.