Calistoga — The City Council voted Dec. 9 to adopt a calendar of 17 regular meetings in 2026, maintaining the current every‑three‑week schedule rather than returning to a first‑and‑third‑Tuesday cadence.

Council member Gift argued the three‑week spacing has "dramatically slowed" council business, delaying second readings and time‑sensitive approvals and reducing continuity for the public. "Ordinances now take longer to adopt because second readings are pushed further out," she said, urging a return to the prior rhythm to improve predictability for staff and residents.

Other members, including the mayor and Council member Eisenberg, said the three‑week schedule gives staff more time to prepare reports and that special meetings can be called if time‑sensitive items arise. Council member Cooper called the current cadence a helpful balance for staff and said people will attend important meetings regardless of schedule.

After closing public comment with no speakers, the council voted to adopt the proposed calendar; Council member Gift and Vice Mayor Lopez Ortega recorded dissenting votes. The motion passed by roll call.

Council did not set a formal policy change beyond adopting the presented calendar, and staff indicated they will continue to monitor public input and operational impacts.