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244 NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Friday, January 31, 1997 AT 8:00 a.m. IN THE Second Floor Conference Room. THE AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Discussion of issues related to reversion to town status process BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY JeaIme Cox (signed) SECOND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM - January 31, 1997 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Cox, Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Richards, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Toscano. The agenda for the February 10th work session was discussed, and tentative items for discussions included: Council's work plan, appointments to boards and commissions, and Council's policy regarding responding to citizens who speak during the "Matters by the Public" section of regular Council meetings. The reversion voice mailbox message and schedule were approved. Guest editorials in the newspapers were discussed. Ms. Richards suggested that individual Councilors submit guest editorials at their own discretion. Mr. Cox suggested that information or studies provided to Council be edited or refashioned for use as guest editorials. Ms. Slaughter said she will draft a guest editorial and circulate it to Council. Mx-. Toscano cautioned that guest editorials may be considered political by the newspaper and the newspaper may feel that the County needs to present its own view. Mr. Toscano suggested that putting an ad in the paper be considered. Mr. O'Connell noted that guest editorials could be distributed in "City Notes." Ms. Slaughter said that she will speak with a representative of the Daily Progress and Observer about the guest editorials. Councilors discussed formation of a Blue Ribbon Commission on Reversion. Ms. Daugherty expressed concern about staffing a commission and said she feels the charge should be more narrowly defined. Ms. Daugherty said she would prefer that the group be more of an information gathering/analysis group rather than decision-making. lvlr. Cox said he has been an advocate for the commission and feels it would be a way to tap into the intellectual and creative resources in the community. Mr. Cox said it could bring City and County residents together to think about the issue. Mr. Cox said the Commission, which would be advisory to Council, should be allowed to "think outside the box," and not consider reversion as the only option. Ms. Richards expressed concerns about the idea of a commission as she thinks it is Council's charge to deal with these issues, to find out what information is needed, and to draw sound conclusions. Ms. Richards said she feels the creation of a commission has the potential to look as if Council is handing over responsibility to non-elected individuals.