The Pine City Council voted to revamp its meeting schedule on Wednesday.
Starting in February, council meetings will be held on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m.
The motion was made by council member Kyle Palmer, who said having two evening meetings would increase attendance.
“Historically, we’ve talked about items at the first council meeting of the month and then we’ve brought it back for approval at the second council meeting of the month,” Palmer explained. “And it’s always seemed like when we’re trying to get stuff through without much input from the people, we bring it back during the daytime meeting when a lot of the people who would like to speak on the subject are not available.”
Council member Dan Swanson echoed Palmer’s sentiments about attendance at Thursday morning meetings.
“I’ve heard lots of feedback over the years too about the morning meeting being a tough one to make,” Swanson said. “The morning meetings are not well-attended. They’re just not.”
Council member Gina Pettie said the daytime meeting was originally established as more of a workshop and discussion session, with the evening meeting mostly focused on taking action on business items.
Swanson said both meetings have become more business-focused with “a lot facing the city.”
“I think we’ve gotten away from the more work-group style morning meetings, and it’s just kind of a second council meeting,” added mayor Kent Bombard.
The motion passed four to one, with Pettie, who said she works evenings, voting no.
