Instead of meeting most Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to about 10 p.m. at City Hall, the council will gather Tuesdays starting at 3 p.m.

Council members wanted to reduce time city employees would have to work after-hours and cut back on the time they were away from their families.

"It's going to be a lot more convenient for [employees]," Council Chairman Van Turner said. "They don't have to come and stay hour after hour."

The new arrangement could limit some public access. The formal meeting, which includes public hearings, will continue to start at 7 p.m.

But much of the discussion - and decision making - among council members happens earlier in the meeting, which few residents attend now.

During today's formal meeting, the council is expected to vote on a proposed ordinance that would protect gay employees from discrimination.

The move would codify Mayor Rocky Anderson's executive order from 2000 barring bias against gay employees and those of other protected classes, including religion, age, race and national origin.

- Heather May