MILLSTONE — After years of debate, officials voted to have workshop meetings.

The Township Committee voted unanimously at its Aug. 4 meeting to change the second meeting of the month to a workshop meeting.

The first meeting of the month would remain a regular business meeting.

Though both meetings would be open to the public, no formal action is taken at a workshop meeting. Officials said that they have not yet determined if public comment would be allowed at the meeting.

All ordinances and resolutions would be acted on at the regular business meeting, where the public would continue to be able to speak.

Prior committees during the tenure of Mayor Evan Maltz, had discussed having workshop meetings in early 2002. Committeeman John Pfefferkorn had suggested that the town add a third monthly meeting as a workshop, ratherthan replace one of the business meetings.

Since that time, support has grown to continue having two meetings per month, changing one to a workshop.

Committeeman William Nurko said that he would like to be able to use such meetings to "hash [agenda items] out for as long as we want — to get our differences out."

Currently, the committee regularly has meetings that last until 11 p.m. or later, and quite often fails to get through the entire agenda. Agendas typically consider ordinances toward the beginning of the meetings, which is followed by consideration of resolutions, old business and new business.

Nurko said that in many instances the committee adjourned before getting to new business.

Mayor Nancy Grbelja said that she supported the idea, but said "I would ask that the committee people come to the meeting prepared."

Nurko said that he was given information packets just prior to the meeting, and did not have adequate time to read the material.

"The first item on the agenda — the packet was given to me when I walked in," Nurko said.

Pfefferkorn agreed.

"It’s not fair. We do have jobs and we do have families," Pfefferkorn said.

The Aug. 4 meeting began with a discussion item that brought a lot of comments from the public and lasted more than two hours, before any ordinances were read.

Nurko and Pfefferkorn also complained about the setting of the agenda. Pfefferkorn said he had asked for a communications item and a finance item to be added, but that they were not.

"I asked and I was denied," Pfefferkorn said.

Grybelja said that the request was given "last minute," and that she would be happy to put the finance item on the agenda at the following meeting after the auditor has time to verify the numbers Pfefferkorn planned to cite.

Nurko said he was concerned that the agenda was constantly changing.

"I see e-mails flying back and forth [between members]. This is going on [the agenda], now it’s not going on," Nurko said.

"It’s absolutely rediculous and ludicrous [and it’s] shortchanging the public," Nurko said to loud cheers from the audience.

"This is the game that has been played all year," Pfefferkorn said in response.

Deputy Mayor Elisa Abilheira said that the supported the concept, calling it a "fantastic idea."

The Aug. 18 meeting is now scheduled as a workshop meeting. The next regular business meeting is in September.

Officials said that any items already scheduled to be heard Aug. 18 would still be heard.