Davis Senior Commission to Test Meeting at City Council Chambers in April After Split Vote on Permanent Move

The Davis Senior Commission voted on a trial change of its meeting location, agreeing to hold the April 2026 meeting at the City Council chambers while deferring any permanent move after a tie on the motion to relocate.

The proposal to move regular meetings to the council chambers — presented under agenda item 6A — prompted debate about visibility to council members, public accessibility and whether off-site meetings (including at the library) better serve outreach. Commissioner Carol and Commissioner Jeffrey signaled support for a permanent move, while other commissioners raised concerns that a change would not necessarily increase attendance because of the meeting time (1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays). A voice vote on a motion to move all future meetings produced inconsistent tallies and was recorded as a tie; no permanent relocation was approved.

To test the concept without making a formal structural change, the commission agreed to schedule the April meeting at the council chambers. The trial meeting was approved by voice vote and will give commissioners a chance to judge whether the chambers increases public participation or council engagement.

Maria (staff) noted that off-site meetings must be in facilities that provide public access and comply with city rules; she offered to check whether the commission may permanently meet outside city-owned buildings. Commissioners also discussed alternatives including occasional off-site meetings at the Davis Library and senior housing communities to broaden outreach.

The commission said it will revisit the question at a future meeting after the April trial. The trial scheduling is the most recent procedural step; any permanent relocation would require further discussion and likely additional council input.