“We can all agree that there are some issues in our region, but we can also all agree, I think, that by working — I hate to use this word — together, we can collaborate and come up with some solutions,” Kelly said.

Board member and Ferguson Mayor James Knowles III followed the comment by suggesting the league use the word “collectively,” instead of “together.”

Kelly and McCourt also disputed Better Together’s claim that a statewide vote would be required to form a new consolidated government.

McCourt said the league requested the chance to participate in the studies Better Together did to draft their plan but was refused.

“This league was denied the opportunity to participate then, and it’s still denied the opportunity now,” he said.

McCourt also invited Sinquefield to meet with the board.

“It is past time for Mr. Sinquefield to come out of the shadows to discuss his plans and goals for the organizations he sponsors,” he said.

Eighty-one municipalities and both the city and county of St. Louis are voting members of the league. It was not clear exactly how many were present Thursday night.