City Council suspends open comment following Pearl Street Mall attack

The Boulder City Council convened on June 5, 2025, to address pressing community issues, notably the aftermath of a recent attack at Pearl Street Mall. The meeting began with a roll call confirming the presence of all council members, establishing a quorum for the session.

One of the most significant discussions centered around the decision to suspend in-person open comment during the meeting. This motion was introduced by Mayor Brockett, who cited increasing dysfunction and divisiveness in previous open comments, particularly following a recent tragic event that left the community grieving. The mayor emphasized the need for unity and focused discussion on city business during this sensitive time. Council member Folkerts proposed an amendment to allow comments via email or audio recordings, ensuring that community members could still express their thoughts without the potential discomfort of in-person testimony.

Despite the intention behind the motion, Council member Speer expressed concern that suspending open comment could further frustrate residents who felt the need to voice their grief and anger directly. Ultimately, the council voted in favor of the motion, with a tally of 7 in favor and 2 opposed, leading to the suspension of live open comments for the evening.

In addition to the open comment suspension, the council unanimously agreed to continue a public hearing regarding an ordinance related to code cleanup to the following week. The agenda was also amended to include a staff briefing on the Pearl Street Mall attack, reflecting the council's commitment to addressing community safety and concerns.

The meeting concluded with a clear focus on the need for healing and dialogue within the community, as well as a commitment to revisiting important discussions in future sessions. The council's decisions highlight the delicate balance between maintaining order in governance and honoring the voices of constituents during challenging times. As Boulder moves forward, the implications of these discussions will likely resonate throughout the community, shaping future interactions between the council and its residents.