Although Riverbank Mayor Richard O’Brien is typically readily accessible to the public, he also holds Mayor’s Office Hours at City Hall on a regular basis. The idea behind that is to offer an additional chance for citizens to meet with him regarding any questions, concerns, or updates. O’Brien plans to hold these informal meetings once a month and will be hosting another one on Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“I have many meetings on the street, at the store and wherever I run into residents who want an explanation, or just an update,” said O’Brien. “I thought I would have a time each month for informal conversation with residents who do not cross my path during their normal routine.”

Last month O’Brien scheduled a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 20 for about 90 minutes where he had a visit by a resident and a phone conversation with another one. He explained that one individual had a difficult time understanding easements and after some discussion a solution was offered but rejected. The next step in the process there, O’Brien noted, was to restore the easement or request a variance.

He said, “While topics are not restricted none are considered out of bounds nor difficult. If I have no residents, I can keep busy with agenda work, letters, and whatever the City Manager needs of me.”

O’Brien said he was planning on hosting the meetings every third Tuesday of each month, but he may move it to the second Wednesday each month as it could conflict with the Planning Commission meetings that are held on Tuesdays. Regardless, he plans to continue offering the informal sessions to keep the lines of communication open for city residents.