West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder is inviting residents to stop by his office for a drink -- of milk.

Winder is hosting Milk with the Mayor, a monthly open-door meeting where residents can stop by to complain, debate issues or just visit while having a cold bottle of milk, courtesy of Winder Farms.

Winder got the idea from a mayors conference he attended last year at Harvard University. A panel of former mayors suggested having dedicated time to speak with constituents, and Winder liked the concept.

"I'm a part-time mayor with full-time job expectations," he said. "This seemed to be a good time-management solution."

Winder plans to devote one hour on the first Wednesday of each month to the program. Residents can stop by on their way home from work and chat about anything, while sipping some cookies 'n' cream or strawberry milk. Winder, a chocolate fan, plans to have plenty on hand. His family business, Winder Farms, was delighted to donate its services, Winder said.

Business was a bit slow at the first session, with three residents dropping in, but Winder is sure things will pick up once word gets out.

Doris Wall and Claudia Jensen were waiting when the milkman came, eager to invite the mayor to a meeting of the city's Clean and Beautiful Committee. The women each applauded the city's dedication to community preservation, and begged the mayor to spare code enforcement officers if layoffs come to the city, which recently issued five-day furloughs to all staff.

The women chatted with the mayor about graffiti management and installing a new welcome sign at one of the city's gateways. They are hoping to improve what they see as West Valley's undeserved bad reputation through their efforts.

"It might not be perfect till we're dead and gone," said Jensen, "but it's a good start."

Ray Helzer came by on his way home from work after seeing Winder's announcement on the West Valley City Web site. He asked Winder to craft an ordinance that would allow backyard chickens, so he can raise his own eggs. The city currently allows chickens in areas zoned for agriculture, but not in small backyards.

"As a citizen, I have no idea how to put something on the agenda," Helzer said.

Winder promised to look into the issue and have city staff inform Helzer when it comes before the city council so he can testify in favor.

For now, the mayor plans to hold the sessions once a month, but said he will consider hosting more often if interest grows. He is also willing to meet with residents at other times if their schedules conflict with the program.

"I don't want to rule out an opportunity for my bosses to come talk to me," Winder said. "It's very important for me to be available and accessible to the people of West Valley."