Loomis council adopts 6:30 p.m. start time after public debate; vote 4-1

The Loomis Town Council voted 4-1 to change the start time of its regular meetings to 6:30 p.m., following a contentious public comment period and a council compromise proposal.

Staff introduced the item, saying state and neighboring jurisdictions routinely begin meetings earlier and noting the town’s municipal code allows council to set start times by resolution. A council member proposed 6:30 p.m. as a compromise between a 6 p.m. proposal favored by some councilmembers and staff and public requests to keep meetings at 7 p.m.

The debate drew dozens of in-person and Zoom comments. Opponents said a 6 p.m. start would shut out residents who arrive from work or who need the hour to care for children and pets; one longtime resident said meetings have historically been scheduled at 7 p.m. to maximize public attendance. Supporters, including several councilmembers, said an earlier start would make it easier for councilmembers and staff with early work schedules and align Loomis with regional norms.

During the roll-call vote, Councilmember Cartwright and Councilmember Cortez voted in favor, Councilmember Ring voted against, Councilmember Knisely voted in favor, and Mayor Youngblood voted in favor, producing a 4-1 result. The council’s action adopts the revised start time and directs staff to bring a follow-up staff report that would recommend an end time to preserve a three-hour meeting window (for example, 6:30–9:30 p.m.) with the option for the council to extend meetings when needed.

Council members framed the decision as reversible: several said the council could revert to an earlier or later start time if community participation declined or operational problems emerged. The council did not adopt a separate permanent change to the end time at this meeting; staff will return with options so the council can consider a single, consistent meeting-length policy.

The motion to change the start time was made and seconded on the floor; the council then recorded the roll-call vote that produced the 4-1 outcome. The resolution takes effect according to the town’s normal administrative process; staff will also prepare public outreach explaining the change and the process for returning to a prior start time if warranted.

The meeting proceeded to committee reports and adjournment after the vote.