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Thursday, January 5, 2017

Plainfield's 2017 Council schedule proposes a surprising change


Plainfield City Hall reflects the 'City Beautiful' tradition
which was the rage at the turn of the 20th century.

Municipal Clerk 'AJ' Jalloh sent out a draft resolution proposing the Plainfield
City Council meeting schedule for 2017.

While the schedule is unexceptional, mostly following the 2016 pattern, there are some changes -- one of which is surprising.

For 2017 both July and August meetings are proposed to be joint agenda/business meetings. This worked well in July 2016, especially since business over the summer months tends to be less heavy than during the spring and fall.

Also noteworthy is the combined November meeting proposed for Thursday, November 2. Following the 2016 pattern, it avoids having to have the Council on a Tuesday after the election in what is always a busy month, with elected official anxious to attend the League of Municipalities annual conference in Atlantic City in mid-month, and then the Thanksgiving holiday.

But the real surprise is the proposed change of venue for the agenda-setting sessions from the Courtroom/Council Chambers. This constitutes a restoration of the pattern that seems to have existed from the time that City Hall was built during World War I and only changed in recent years.

It is a welcome change in my mind, as the setting is more intimate and the deliberations between Council members are more relaxed and conversational -- as they should be at these meetings.

The proposed schedule is among the items to be adopted at the Council's reorganization meeting on Monday, January 9, at 7:00 PM at the Couthouse/Council Chambers.

Besides ceremonial matters, including the selection of a person to fill the vacant Wards 2/3 at-large seat and the swearing in of new Councilors, there will be annual appointments of attorneys, prosecutors and judges, and annual contract renewals.

The Council President also traditionally allots time for the Mayor's State of the City Address.

The Council will meet on Tuesday, January 17 (Monday is MLK Day), for a combined agenda/business meeting.

The Courthouse/Council Chambers are located at Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street. Parking available on the street or in the lot across from the Police Station.




  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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