Nampa council agrees to shift regular meetings earlier, plans public‑hearing timing

The Nampa City Council discussed shifting regular meeting start times earlier to shorten late evenings and reduce the time staff and members spend waiting during long public‑hearing agendas. After members weighed options ranging from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the council coalesced around beginning regular meetings at 5:00 p.m. and running public hearings at 6:00 p.m. or as soon after business items are completed.

Councilmembers cited staff workload, commuting schedules and public‑comment fairness in the discussion. One council member said that starting earlier would let the council get through new business before hearings and reduce the number of nights staff must wait through late‑running public hearings for single items. Another member noted 5:30 p.m. may be more practical for some commuters but was ultimately outvoted in the discussion.

Staff noted that public notices for hearings are currently published with a 6:00 p.m. start and advised a phased approach to changing published times so notice requirements and applicants' expectations can be managed. The council asked staff to clarify agenda language (for example: meetings start at 5 p.m., public hearings begin at 6 p.m. or as soon as business items conclude) and to notify applicants and the public about the change.