Council sets annual retreat timing, affirms more study sessions and plans town‑hall cadence

Kenmore City Council discussed its retreat cadence and public engagement approach during a study session and provided direction to staff on an annual schedule and formats.

After a broad discussion of options, council members agreed on an annual retreat near the end of March. The body directed that even‑numbered years be used for an off‑site, overnight retreat focused on budget and two‑year goal setting, while odd‑numbered years would feature a one‑day, local retreat focused on goals check‑in, team building and policy review. Council asked staff to propose exact dates and logistics; the city manager and staff were directed to follow up with a scheduling poll. The council indicated a preference for an early‑April or late‑March timeframe that avoids school breaks.

Council also expressed interest in more frequent study sessions with advisory committees and recommended a regular cadence of public town halls. Members suggested semiannual town halls and one Saturday session each year to reach residents who cannot attend evening meetings. Staff agreed to propose dates and formats and to test a table‑based “topic tables” format — which council members said encouraged more productive, small‑group conversations — while keeping the option of a single‑topic “town‑hall” Q&A format when warranted by a specific issue.

Council asked staff to draft a calendar and to work out logistics for the next retreat and town hall.