Afton
I’ve been covering the Afton city meetings for the last year and I’ve noticed that recently the city meetings have been going more smoothly.
During last night’s Afton Planning Commission meeting, there were a few agenda items that could have previously dragged on for extended periods of time, but last night the commission moved "merrily along" to quote commissioner Scott Patten who was acting chair last night.
I don’t know if its the new commissioners that have added to the change, or if the commissioners have learned how to work with eachother better, but the hostility and aggravated opinions of the commission, as well as the audience, have seemed to cease in recent months.
The same can be said for the Afton City Council. Previously the council meetings could go on until 11:00 at night, but with a new mayor and new council member, discussions seem to be more effective and orderly.
The city council remained their decorum, even with hot-button issues such as Cedar Bluff, and discussed each agenda item thoroughly and respectfully.
Additionally the audience has appeared to be more respectful of the council. Previously audience members would shout out during discussions, but lately they have appeared to calm down and wait to be called on before they speak.
All of these factors have undoubtedly contributed to the meeting being more time-effective with quality discussions, and as a reporter who sits through these meetings I hope the council continues to stay on this path.
