City Council members are raving about the new things they are learning in their new standing committees.

The purpose of the six committees, according to city spokeswoman Debbie George, is “to review all applicable items associated with the specific subject matter.” The duties of the committees include monitoring the area and recommending to City Council an official policy in each area.

The committees, which were established in December 2009, include the Finance Committee; the Health and Human Services Committee; the Education Committee; the Public Safety Committee; the Economic Development Committee; and the Land Use, Development and Transportation Committee

The meetings, held once a month, are open to the public.

“It’s really been beneficial to me,” said Councilman Leroy Bennett, who is on the Health and Human Services and Education committees. “It gives me more of a learning curve to help other people in need.”

Each of the committees includes two council members, along with city staffers and employees of other government entities, such as Suffolk Public Schools, who are familiar with the subject matter.

Bennett said he learns new things in the committees that he can then take back to his constituents to help them with problems they may be having.

“There are some programs I’m sure some people don’t know exist,” he said. “They can help you spread the word.”

Councilman Curtis Milteer, who also is on the Health and Human Services Committee, said he has received “very vital information” in the meetings.

Councilman Michael Duman is on the Public Safety Committee. He reported at a City Council meeting that he had learned the King’s Fork fire station has responded to more than 1,200 calls since it opened in August 2010. Throughout the entire city, he said, there were about 3,800 fire calls and 8,100 calls for emergency medical services.

Councilman Charles Parr also said he is learning new things in the meetings. He’s on the Education and Economic Development committees.

“I’ve really enjoyed that committee, because we’ve found out a lot of things,” he said, referring to the Economic Development committee.

The meeting dates, times and locations for each committee are listed below, as well as the City Council representatives that serve on them. More information can be found at www.suffolkva.us/council/standing-committees.html.

Finance Committee

Mayor Linda Johnson and Vice Mayor Charles Brown

Second Wednesday at 3 p.m., City Council Conference Room (behind Council Chambers), 441 Market St.

Health and Human Services Committee

Councilmen Curtis Milteer and Leroy Bennett

Second Tuesday at 10 a.m., Health and Human Services Building, 135 Hall Ave.

Education Committee

Councilmen Leroy Bennett and Charles Parr

Second Tuesday at 1 p.m., City Council Conference Room (behind Council Chambers), 441 Market St.

Public Safety Committee

Councilmen Jeffrey Gardy and Mike Duman

Second Tuesday at 3 p.m., City Council Conference Room (behind Council Chambers), 441 Market St.

Economic Development Committee

Vice Mayor Charles Brown and Councilman Charles Parr

Second Thursday at 4 p.m., Visitor Center, 524 N. Main St.

Land Use, Housing and Transportation Committee

Councilmen Jeffrey Gardy and Robert Barclay

Fourth Wednesday at 3 p.m., City Council Conference Room (behind Council Chambers), 441 Market St.