Staff recommends Council hold a public hearing and approve first reading of the Ordinance amending Sections 2-211 and 2-226, Billings, Montana City Code.

At the December 6, 2021, work session, Council directed staff to modify city code to provide for regular business meetings and work sessions be held on Tuesdays instead of Mondays.  This change will provide additional time for staff to address council members' questions and concerns about agenda items and packet materials during normal business hours instead of over the weekend. This should result in improved meeting preparation for both staff and Council.  This change will also remove a scheduling conflict for citizens who may have an interest in attending both the city council and a school district two meeting since both local boards currently meet at the same time.

A few boards that currently meet on Tuesday's will likely move their meetings from Tuesdays to a different night of the week.  This will be the case for the boards involved in the planning process since it is common that staff is needed for both the city council and planning/zoning meetings.  Over time, we may see the neighborhood task forces also move their meetings away from Tuesday's.  All in all, I believe the positive impact of moving council meetings to Tuesdays will out way the inconvenience of these other meeting shifts.  

Mayor and Council
City staff
Members of the public

City Council may:

• Approve; or,
• Not Approve

There is no cost associated with this change other than to perhaps save staff time and resources that are often expended over the weekend, outside their normal work hours, responding to questions from the Mayor and Council about the agenda materials.