Malden council adopts twice-monthly meeting schedule; staff and pay rules to be reviewed

The Malden City Council voted unanimously May 18 to adopt an ordinance moving its regular meetings to the first and third Mondays each month, beginning in July. Council Member Santie introduced the proposal and Council Member Dierks seconded; the motion passed 7-0.

Supporters said more frequent, formal meetings would improve oversight and allow timely action on items that now wait for the monthly schedule. Council members discussed the impact of a revised schedule on the city’s pay ordinance, which ties compensation to attendance, and whether workshops should remain informal or be converted into regular meetings to permit votes and public input. City Administrator/Utility Director Jeff Mitchell and City Attorney Jonce Chidister were directed to review existing ordinances, draft specific changes (including attendance/pay rules), and return to the council with recommendations.

Council members also raised practical concerns such as employee overtime, scheduling around work conflicts, and coordination with the Board of Public Works. Mitchell said a change could help with timely decisions that affect operations, such as coordinating with the BPW on utility projects. The measure passed by unanimous vote; councilors said they expect more detailed ordinance language and an implementation plan at a future session.

The council’s next regular meeting remains scheduled for June 15; the new twice-monthly cadence would begin in July after the council approves the ordinance text and any necessary adjustments to compensation rules.