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Mayor brings ordinance to shift city commission start time to 5:30 p.m.; public voices concern
Summary
Commissioners heard a first reading of Ordinance 83-25 to move regular meetings earlier (second reading/public hearing set for Dec. 9, 2025). Residents warned the change could disenfranchise workers and small-business owners who cannot attend earlier meetings.
The City Commission held a first reading of Ordinance 83-25, proposing to amend the code to change the start time for regular city commission meetings to 5:30 p.m.; the city attorney set the second reading and public hearing for Dec. 9, 2025.
Residents who spoke during public participation urged the commission to consider the impact on voters and merchants. A resident who addressed the commission warned the earlier start "disenfranchises the voters" and said many merchants and residents work into the evening and could not attend if the start time is moved. City staff and some commissioners said the change is intended as a process improvement to reduce late-night meetings and staff comp-time burdens.
City Attorney (speaker 16) explained the ordinance will be returned for formal consideration on Dec. 9 alongside a companion item adjusting end times so the calendar and implementation align. The city manager and several commissioners said there are pros and cons — improved ability to finish quasi-judicial hearings earlier versus potential reductions in public participation — and encouraged citizens to weigh in before the December vote.
Next steps: the ordinance will return for second reading and public hearing on Dec. 9, 2025, when the commission will vote on final adoption.
