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Assembly discusses meeting times and audio problems; manager to pursue options including sound-system design and off-site meetings
Summary
The Committee of the Whole debated three scheduling options for Assembly, committee and HRC meetings, expressed support for smaller schedule changes to reduce late-night sessions, and discussed poor sound quality in the Assembly Chambers. City Manager offered a $60,000 estimate to design a new sound system; the Assembly gave general direction to
City Manager Koester presented options for changes to meeting start times and for improving the Assembly Chambers audio system during the Committee of the Whole on July 14. The manager said staff can pursue modest schedule changes (move one committee earlier), a broader restructure (new start times and committee slots), or off-site meetings while the audio system is fixed.
Why it matters: Members said late-night endings and poor in-room sound quality reduce public access and make participation harder for residents and for some committee members. Several members favored a targeted change (Option 2 in staff materials) that moves one committee earlier and shifts evening start times slightly to reduce late-night work, while exploring better audio and off-site options when needed.
Audio system and off-site meetings: Manager Koester said a design for a new sound system is estimated at roughly $60,000; several members supported pursuing a new system while using alternative venues (for example Centennial Hall or a school auditorium) for meetings where public audibility is crucial. The manager said staff would return with rule changes if the Assembly chooses a revised meeting schedule.
Executive sessions and timing: Committee members reported a positive experience with holding an executive session at the start of a meeting to enable a clear end time; several members said that approach makes difficult decisions and deliberation more manageable than waiting until late in the evening.
Next steps: The manager will pursue the preferred direction the Assembly provided: a modest schedule change (staff to prepare revised Assembly rules and procedures for a new start time option), investigate sound-system design and costs, and schedule select off-site meetings as needed to ensure the public can hear proceedings. Staff will return with draft rules and cost estimates.
