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LOCK HAVEN -- Lock Haven City Council set its meeting dates for 2024 during its reorganization meeting this week.
Council will meet on the following Mondays at 7 p.m. in council chambers, 20 E. Church St., Lock Haven: Jan. 22; Feb. 5; Feb. 26; March 4; March 18; April 1; April 15; May 6; May 20; June 3; June 17; July 1; July 15; Aug. 5; Aug. 19; Sept. 9; Sept. 23; Oct. 7; Oct. 21; Nov. 4; Nov. 18; Nov. 25; Dec. 2; Dec. 9; and Dec. 16.
Through a motion made by Council member Steve Stevenson, council also agreed to potentially hold work sessions during busier times of the year.
The motion came after Mayor Joel Long suggested council consider meeting four Mondays each month -- with two voting sessions and two work sessions.
"I suggested that because we're going through a lot of big things and we'd like some time to see information, understand it and let the public know we're discussing it. Flesh it out before we make decisions," Long said.
Long said years prior council met four Mondays each year in that format, with the fifth Monday always off.
"We used to do this during basically what was the school year -- September to June. And then in the summer, meeting for just the regular legislative meetings," he said.
Stevenson said he remembered a time when council met four Mondays each month, but noted that changed as agendas began to shrink.
"We went to two a month because the agenda eventually got shrunken down and there wasn't enough business to meet four times a month," he said.
Stevenson said he was happy with the way the current schedule is laid out, but said he wouldn't be opposed to advertising and occasionally hold work sessions when necessary.
"It would be a little more flexible for when it is and what it's about," he said.
City Manager Gregory Wilson said the special sessions could be advertised separately from the regular meeting dates, but noted he would need advanced notice to ensure its publicly advertised per the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act guidelines.
Council member Barb Masorti agreed with Stevenson's assessment.
"I think if we need it we can add it," she said. "There are certain times of the year that we have a lot more things on the agenda."
Council member Heather Alexander said she would prefer the occasional extra work session.
"As a newbie on council, for me personally having them every Monday when it's the busiest would be beneficial," she said. "For someone who also has a full time job... trying to absorb the emails and to keep my mind fresh."
Council member Brannan also said she wasn't opposed to the idea of work sessions, noting it can help ensure community involvement at times.
"I do agree that having more conversations as a council would be beneficial," she said.
Brannan noted during discussions about street closures in 2023 offered an example on when work sessions could better help council's decision making process.
"It would have been beneficial to have work sessions... so that more information could get out to the community," she said.
Ultimately, council unanimously voted to accept the meeting dates as listed, with the potential to call for work sessions throughout the calendar year when necessary.
All members of council were present for Monday's meeting.