The Gilroy City Council is considering moving its regular meeting time from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Will that make a public participation difference?

• No. I think that is too late to start, considering how long some of the meetings last. The community will participate if they feel the issue impacts them significantly. Otherwise I don’t think you can make these meetings compete for attention in an average resident’s day. For those who have to attend, the time change just makes it more painful. • Yes, in a negative way as most people are busy during the day and sometimes evening meetings are difficult to attend- the earlier start the better. • No. If an interested party has an item on the agenda they would like to hear or address in person, there’s plenty of time to get to the hearing by 6 pm (at least 6:30 after opening matters, interviews, presentation, proclamations report, etc.). Quit your whining and skip dinner if you need to like the rest of us! Citizenship is a duty, not a convenience. • No, I believe it will allow those with a long commute to attend and staff should be able to adjust their work schedules. • It could impact in both directions, more participation if you don’t work in town and want to be heard but can’t get home in time to participate or, less participation if you get home, have time to eat supper and then end up not feeling like going down to City Hall. Your topic’s position on the agenda is a major concern for deciding to attend Council meetings, can’t spend all night there and really shouldn’t have to miss supper. Starting a little later is a good thing. • I would like to think so, as it would give commuting residents time to get home and maybe have some dinner before they come to a meeting or watch it on

TV.  However, as late as some of those meetings go now, I would dread them starting an hour later. So, no. • Yes. I believe a 7 p.m. meeting time will decrease the public participation as all people who go to the meeting directly from work will have too much time between work and the meeting. • Yes. For those residents who work outside of Gilroy, it will make a big difference. By the time they get home at 6 p.m. or later, eat dinner, 7 p.m. is much more manageable if they are interested in attending City Council meetings. • Yes, it may make a difference by allowing those with a long commute to attend the meeting. Staff may have a problem with the gap between 5 p.m. and 7p.m., but could alter their start time on the meeting days. • No, I don’t believe it would make a difference. Those that like to participate, will, no matter what time. • Seems like a reasonable time to start a meeting and it would allow for commuters to participate, they should try it for a while and if public attendance wanes they can return to the 6 p.m. start.