James Sloan
jsloan@ptleader.com

The Port Townsend City Council’s business meetings could start 30 minutes sooner. 

During their Tuesday business meeting, city councilmembers unanimously approved the first of two readings of an ordinance switching business meeting start times from 6:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

The city is eyeing the time switch to start March 1, but the council must OK the ordinance for a second time Tuesday, Jan. 17 for it to become official.

Part of the need for a second reading stems from the city council desiring input from the public to ensure the 6 p.m. start works for both the public and the council. 

“I think it would be good to try and get a little bit more input,” Councilmember Aislinn Diamanti said, seconding fellow Councilmember Owen Rowe’s initial sentiments for a second reading. 

“We wanted feedback and there’s not a lot of eyes on this particular meeting,” Diamanti continued.

“We’re trying to thread the needle of how to make this body accessible to the public that we serve,” City Manager John Mauro said. 

The city is looking at March 1 as the potential beginning of the 6 p.m. meeting start time.

The inclination for the 30-minute change stems from the council’s Dec. 5 business meeting, when they discussed the option to switch start times. 

Beyond the potential for better community engagement in meetings, the potential change would benefit city staff members who have to commute long distances home from city hall after council meetings. 

The city council is set to revisit the ordinance for a final approval next week and possibly approve the change in meeting start times. Currently, city council business meetings are still scheduled for 6:30 p.m.