Council debates future of Committee of the Whole meetings; some members call for more transparency and consistent public notice

Council members and staff debated whether to continue, alter or reduce Committee of the Whole meetings. The discussion covered meeting cadence, public notice, and how policy work should move from study to formal votes; the council did not adopt a schedule change.

Why it matters: Committee of the Whole meetings have been used for extended subject‑matter hearings (for example, the missing‑middle housing discussion earlier in the meeting). Some council members said the meetings are essential for doing work and engaging the public; others asked for more efficient use of time and suggested alternatives such as work sessions or scheduling special meetings on a regular weekday (for example, the third Monday) rather than maintaining the current format.

City Attorney and staff input: City Attorney referenced the city code provision on tabling and deferral (noting a process for deferring items and a 100‑day limit when matters are deferred), and staff outlined options including holding targeted work sessions at 5:30 p.m. before regular meetings. The mayor and several members said any scheduling change should be transparent; one council member asked colleagues who want fewer Committee of the Whole meetings to speak directly about that preference.

Outcome: No ordinance or change to the meeting schedule was adopted. Several council members said they would prefer to keep the Committee of the Whole as an active forum for policy work; others urged better agenda management and clearer pathways for moving items from study to vote.

Ending: Staff said written proposals were available and will be used if the council wishes to pursue a formal change; any changes would be processed according to city code and include public notice.