Liberty Lake council adopts two‑month trial to start meetings at 6 p.m.; considers Robert’s Rules adjustments

An ad hoc committee of council members presented a proposed update to the city council’s rules of procedure on Feb. 4, recommending steps to improve meeting efficiency and public engagement. The recommendations included more consistent use of Robert’s Rules of Order (with training on points of order), moving business items earlier in agendas, rotating board/commission reports, clearer agenda time estimates, and improved citizen comment processes (including online signups and time‑stamp alignment of video uploads).

After discussion the council voted unanimously to trial an earlier start time for regular meetings. The pilot will run from Feb. 18 through Apr. 30 with meetings beginning at 6:00 p.m. and councils aiming to finish by 9:00 p.m. Staff will post notices of the temporary start time and prepare a red‑line draft of procedural changes for legal and staff review ahead of a future workshop.

Councilmembers debated citizen comment durations and suggested compromises such as allowing longer time for a first comment and shorter time for a repeat comment in the same meeting. Several members supported keeping robust public comment while discouraging duplicative remarks to preserve meeting time.

Next steps: staff to gather feedback, prepare a red‑line ordinance amendment and schedule a dedicated workshop for detailed review before any ordinance vote.