West Kelowna will not be changing its meeting times in an effort to encourage more public attendance.
Last month council voted to consider moving its afternoon meeting from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. At its Dec. 13 meeting that decision was voted down.
READ MORE: West Kelowna meeting changes aimed at encouraging more public engagement
Coun. Rick de Jong had originally supported the move.
“After considerable thought, and originally being open to 3:30 p.m., I don’t think it will put people in seats,” he said. “The people that will be here will be those who have a stake in the meeting.”
Other councillors had similar thoughts.
“I’m not convinced we will actually have any more participation from the public,” said Coun. Jason Friesen. “It’s school pick-up time, preparing for dinner time, hockey practice time. I’m okay to look at this as a trial.”
In supporting the change, Coun. Garrett Millsap noted that council has had the 1:30 p.m. meeting for the past 15 years.
“Trying new things is a good thing sometimes,” he added “We are moving to a new city hall soon and hopefully we will see more attendance.”
Council voted to keep its current schedule of meeting every second (1:30 p.m.) and fourth Tuesday (6 p.m.).
READ MORE: West Kelowna council supports portable washrooms/showers for homeless
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