Yesterday, the City Council Finance Committee meeting lasted so long that the regular council meeting started fifteen minutes late. What was the reason for the problem? Council discussed several issues including a loitering ordinance, trash collection rules and changes to the housing codes.
The problem with council is that most issues are brought before council without first going through the appropriate committee. This has to stop. All important legislation should be thoroughly discussed in committee (and yes with public input) before arriving at a city council meeting.