Hoffman Estates meeting minutes get stripped down

Video has apparently killed the desire for detailed meeting minutes in Hoffman Estates.

The village board on Monday directed its staff to begin keeping a simplified version of the minutes, saying that since meetings are now televised on public access cable, there is a video record of the entire meeting and detailed minutes are no longer needed.

They'll have to vote again next week before the change becomes official.

Mayor William McLeod made the proposal. Trustees Jackie Green, Anna Newell and Gary Pilafas voted in favor of simplified minutes, while trustees Cary Collins, Raymond Kincaid and Karen Mills voted against.

Instead of including details, like discussion between trustees, the minutes will now simply include an ordinance's motion, which trustee seconded the motion and how the village board voted.

Kincaid objected to the change, saying the details included in the records are often what motivate residents to contact trustees and staff and village hall.

Hoffman Estates began televising meetings in April on its cable public access channel.