"That should be the case, a lack of transparency in government is not great for a community," he said.

The last time the council did something like this was at least 10 years ago, Wapner said.

At that time, councilmembers held office hours at local schools but the response was not great. After seeing Sunday's turnout, Wapner joked that the spaghetti dinner offered to guests might have been the difference.

"Sometimes they don't have the time to come to meetings," he said. "This gives them the opportunity to access elected officials."

Dorst-Porada said the council would like to see similar meetings on a regular basis, holding the informal gatherings throughout the city.

"As a former resident, going up to the podium you just melt," Dorst-Porada said. "This lends itself to a comfortable and relaxed setting."

Oftentimes, people are too intimidated by the formal and business-like atmosphere to approach elected officials, Councilwoman Sheila Mautz said.

"This really lets people know who we are and what we stand for, to really get to know our personalities," she said.

Dave Anderson, who has lived in Ontario for eight years, said the gathering was a way for him to meet Dorst-Porada, the newest member of the council.

"This was an opportunity to chat with her on her turf," he said. "This is all about returning to the basics, the foundation of America where you know your neighbor, knew their interests and people looked out for each other."