More public comments

A new meetings policy approved by City Council, Feb. 12, allows public comment during discussions as well as comments on non-agenda items at the beginning of meetings.
Council voted unanimously to approve the policy, as set forth in the meetings pamphlet. Mayor Steven Percival said the city’s parliamentary training recommended against public comment during council discussions, however.
“It’s more orderly,” Percival said. “We want everybody to be heard (but) not open debate, open discussion with the public throughout the entire agenda.”
The city approved $1,500 for parliamentary training for City Council, Planning Commission, and other city staff and officials this past August.
Council member Susan Wylie, also a member of the Communications Committee, said decorum at meeting is up to the chair and could be easily controlled.
Public comments on non-agenda items at the beginning of the meeting lets speakers leave early, Wylie said.
“It’s a disservice to the community to have comments on non-agenda items at the end of the meeting,” said Karen Eckert, communications committee member.
The pamphlet as proposed limits public comment to five minutes per person, but the final version approved by council sets it at three minutes.
“I like five minutes,” Wylie said. “It’s not the public comments that make meeting long. It’s a benefit to residents to talk to us.”
Catallo said most communities allow three minutes.
“I don’t want to limit discussion time on council,” Catallo said. “I have always liked comment from audience during agenda items. They really hit home sometimes.”
– Phil Custodio

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