Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Operations Workweek topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council discusses move to consistent Monday–Thursday hours; no formal vote
Summary
Councilors and staff debated standardizing city‑hall public hours to Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m., as part of a planned transition to a four‑day municipal schedule. The discussion focused on public access, staff morale, childcare impacts and implementation options; staff will refine schedules and return with a plan.
The council held an extended discussion on June 16 about moving city hall to a consistent four‑day schedule with public hours Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. The change would replace the current mixed schedule (short Friday hours and late Thursday hours) and was presented as the end goal of a transition that began with a trial schedule earlier in the year.
Why it matters: Councilors said consistent four‑day hours would increase predictability for residents while city staff cited improved morale and retention seen in other municipalities that have adopted four‑day schedules. Opponents and some staff raised childcare and scheduling concerns for employees with young children and asked for flexible scheduling options for staff who face daycare conflicts.
Details: Jim Killam from the clerk’s office said he supported a four‑day week but preferred an end‑of‑day time that better reflected observed public demand (he recommended 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. with half‑hour lunches). Other councilors urged consistency and round hours (7 a.m.–6 p.m.) so residents know when city hall is open. Staff noted some departments (public safety, public works) operate differently and are not affected by clerk’s office hours. Council asked management and HR to return with more detailed staffing plans, PTO implications and a phased implementation approach.
Outcome: No formal vote was taken. City management will work with department heads and HR on schedules, flex options and operational details and bring back a recommendation to council.
