During the Loomis Town Council meeting on February 13, 2024, key discussions highlighted community safety, energy savings, and local development initiatives that directly impact residents.
A significant focus was on public safety, with the fire department reporting a decrease in emergency calls. In January, the department received 324 calls, down from 390 in the previous year, with 70% of these being medical emergencies. The fire chief emphasized that Station 18 in Loomis handled 80 calls, demonstrating effective local coverage with an average response time of just over eight minutes. Residents were encouraged to attend an open house at Station 16 on March 9 to learn more about fire safety and community services.
Another important topic was the update from Pioneer Community Energy, which serves Loomis and surrounding areas. The community outreach manager announced a 10% discount on electricity rates for Loomis residents, projected to save customers approximately $263 annually. This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide competitive rates and enhance customer service, with plans for new programs in 2024 aimed at promoting energy efficiency.
Community engagement was also a theme, as residents voiced their support for local businesses and initiatives. One resident proposed an ordinance encouraging developers to utilize local subcontractors for new projects, suggesting that this could bolster the local economy. The council expressed interest in forming an ad hoc committee to explore this idea further.
Additionally, a campaign to protect the Loomis Library and its community services was launched, garnering significant support from local leaders. The campaign aims to maintain funding for essential library programs, which have proven invaluable to residents.
In procedural matters, the council approved changes to their standard operating procedures, reducing public comment time from five to three minutes, while allowing the mayor discretion to extend this time if necessary. This change aims to streamline meetings while still ensuring community voices are heard.
Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to enhancing public safety, supporting local businesses, and fostering community engagement, all of which are vital for the continued growth and well-being of Loomis residents.