The Zimmerman City Council has implemented a structured meeting schedule to enhance transparency and community engagement. The council convenes three times each month: formal business meetings on the first and third Mondays, and a workshop session on the second Monday. This approach balances structured decision-making with opportunities for open discussion and long-term planning.
Formal meetings address department reports, official actions on ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other city matters. Workshop sessions, known as Committee of the Whole meetings, provide space for in-depth conversations without the pressure of immediate votes. This format allows the council to be both efficient and deliberate in its decision-making process.
City Administrator Mike Dahl and Clerk/Treasurer Kary Tillmann attend every meeting, with other city and contracted staff participating as needed. Staff involvement ensures that the mayor and council have access to the information needed to make well-informed decisions.
The current council places a high value on transparency, which is one of the benefits of this schedule. It also improves council preparedness and supports greater collaboration among staff, elected officials, and residents. Workshop sessions have become especially valuable for exploring ideas and addressing challenges before they reach the formal agenda.
Zimmerman has followed this meeting structure for over two decades. This format was adopted as the city began to grow and needs became more complex, requiring more time for review and collaboration. Separating discussion from action has allowed the council to be both efficient and deliberate in its decision-making process. The council believes it helps create a more thoughtful process while also building stronger trust in the community.
For residents interested in participating, council meetings are held at City Hall in the Council Chambers. The city encourages community members to attend and engage in the local governance process.