If you want to attend a Waukesha Common Council meeting or tune into one on TV, you'll have to do so an hour earlier.
The council last week approved a change in the start times for its meetings from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Alderman Joe Pieper said he made the request to allow a better opportunity for residents to attend and participate in the meetings. He also said the earlier start time gives the council a better chance to finish meetings earlier in the night.
'We're more efficient when we make decisions earlier in the evening and before the stroke of midnight,' Pieper said.
'And perhaps with 6:30 p.m. our TV ratings might improve,' Pieper joked.
Poor timing?
Alderwoman Kathleen Cummings, who along with Alderman Daniel Manion voted against the change, said starting the meetings at 6:30 p.m. is not family-friendly because it cuts into family time.
Many of the aldermen, however, said the start time shouldn't impact their responsibilities.
'Our job is to be here, regardless of the time,' Alderman Aaron Perry said.
After much discussion about a trial period and also to change the start time to 7 p.m., Alderman Steve Johnson said that anyone who has any issues with the 6:30 p.m. start time after six meetings should contact the council president.
Public's access
Common council meetings are broadcast live on one of the Time Warner Cable Channel 25, a public access station, on the first and third Tuesday of the month, with rebroadcasts daily.
Residents can also now watch videos of past meetings through the city of Waukesha's new Granicus Legislative Management Network system, which the city recently implemented on its website.
Along with online videos, packets and details relating to agenda items for various meetings are also now available on the city's website.
The city's next common council meeting is Tuesday, Aug. 19, at City Hall, 201 Delafield St.