Sentinel staff report–
The Citrus Heights City Council on Thursday passed a resolution that will change the regular start time of council meetings from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m., beginning in July.
The resolution was introduced during the council meeting on June 9, with the primary reason given in favor of the resolution being to allow for greater participation in council meetings by the public. The change also places council meetings in closer alignment with the start times of other city council meetings in the region.
After a brief discussion among council members, the resolution was passed with four votes in favor and one opposed. Mayor Porsche Middleton, Vice Mayor Tim Schaefer, and council members Bret Daniels and Jeannie Bruins were in support of the resolution, while Councilman Steve Miller was opposed.
Indicating his preference for keeping the 7 p.m. start time to allow more time between regular work hours and council meetings, Miller said: “I could make the same argument, that you need to get home from work, clean up, get a shower. If you’re going to be talking, you definitely want to put a suit and tie on.”
The time change will take effect next month, beginning with the July 14 meeting of City Council. Meetings will continue to be held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.
The council’s action also includes the promotion of public participation through communication with the community, which will include announcement at upcoming council meetings, signage at City Hall, a news flash on the city website, an article in the council’s newsletter, social media posts, and advertisements on Metro Cable Channel 14.