The disagreement began during public comment, when a resident said the agenda had not been available online at least 24 hours before the meeting. Board members initially said the meeting had been properly noticed, citing confirmation from the city clerk’s office. City Attorney Michael Haas said the required posting had not been completed in time.

Wisconsin’s open meetings law generally requires at least 24 hours’ notice identifying a public body’s meeting time, location and subject matter. Haas said notice must be posted in three physical locations or in one location and on the city website. He also cited state law requiring an agenda to describe meeting topics clearly enough to reasonably inform the public and news media.

Board member Maia Pearson challenged Haas to identify where the law defines the notice requirements. Interim monitor Glass said the board had complied despite working outside the city’s usual process. She and board members pointed to staffing shortages and communication problems among city offices.

The board’s independent attorney said whether members could proceed depended on whether proper notice had been given. If the notice was inadequate, the board could not simply continue discussing agenda items without taking a vote, the attorney said.

Haas warned that board members could face personal fines of $25 to $300 if a complaint over an improperly noticed meeting were successfully prosecuted. A court could also overturn actions taken during the meeting. The board ultimately agreed to reschedule.

The postponement comes as the Common Council prepares to vote Tuesday, Oct. 20, on a resolution to remove Glass. Her interim term has been extended through March 31, 2027. The board and city officials have also disputed who has the authority to remove the interim monitor.