WINNEMUCCA — The Winnemucca City Council used the general discussion period of their Tuesday (Sept. 6) meeting to discuss the possibility of holding evening meetings in order to increase public participation.

Mayor Di An Putnam said she was not opposed to holding an evening meeting once a month or once a quarter to see what kind of turnout there might be.

City Manager Steve West noted in the past evening meetings did not increase public participation.  However, the public did turn out for evening meetings when the discussion concerned certain topics the public was interested in, such as a gas tax increase or when the city changed the policy for parking on Winnemucca Blvd.

West commented, “We’ve tried it many, many times and we can try it again but in the past there hasn’t been any better turnout in the evening than in the day.”

Putnam pointed out the public always has the option of making comments on agenda items telephonically.  Those wishing to comment via the phone need only contact the city in advance and a speaker phone would be set up and a time for the call.

Putnam said she was interested in hearing from the public on the issue of evening meetings.  Comments may be sent to: Mayor Di An Putnam, 90 W. Fourth St., Winnemucca, Nev. 89445.  Or the mayor may be reached by phone at City Hall: 775-623-6341.