City Council proposes trial of shortened summer hours for City Hall and Police Department

The Minnetrista City Council is considering a trial period for new city hall and police department hours, aiming to adapt to changing community needs. During the April 15, 2024, work session, council members discussed a proposal to shorten Friday hours during the summer months. The suggested schedule would have city hall open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Fridays.

The proposal stems from observations of low foot traffic and calls on Friday afternoons, particularly in the summer. City staff assured council members that employees would still maintain a full 40-hour work week despite the reduced hours. The pilot program is intended to gather feedback from residents and assess its effectiveness over a three-month period.

Concerns were raised about closing the police department at noon on Fridays, with some council members expressing apprehension about potential impacts on public safety. They noted that many neighboring jurisdictions maintain full Friday hours for their police departments. However, city officials emphasized that police officers would continue their regular shifts, and administrative staff would be the ones affected by the shortened hours.

The council is committed to monitoring the pilot program closely and is open to adjusting the schedule based on community feedback. This initiative reflects a broader trend among municipalities to optimize operations while balancing employee needs and public service. The council plans to revisit the decision after the trial period to determine its viability and make necessary adjustments.