Council weighs tightening meeting norms, calls for more workshop time

Council devoted significant time to how it runs meetings. Several members proposed separating staff presentations/clarifying Q&A from deliberation and opinions: ask technical questions during a presentation but hold policy positions until after a formal motion on the dais. One councilor suggested that approach would prevent early, duplicative discussion and reduce late-night rushed votes.

Members also agreed there was utility in reserving the fourth Wednesday of a month for deeper dives or ad-hoc working groups when projects require more time. The mayor said he is open to separating information-gathering from debate and encouraged council to identify topics they want staff to prepare for the dedicated follow-up session. Facilitator Andy urged council to be explicit about who owns decisions and to request clarity early when roles feel ambiguous.