Minot City Council adopts public comment policy following state law requirements

The Minot City Council convened on July 7, 2025, to discuss significant updates to public comment procedures following new state legislation. The meeting highlighted the council's commitment to enhancing community engagement by implementing a structured public comment policy.

The new law, enacted during the last legislative session, mandates that local governing bodies include a public comment period in their regular meeting agendas. City Attorney Stephanie Lawson explained that while the city already allowed personal appearances, the new legislation requires a formal policy to govern public comments. This includes stipulations such as requiring individuals to provide their name and address, which will be treated as exempt from public records laws.

A key point of discussion was whether to move the public comment section to an earlier position on the agenda. Currently, personal appearances are scheduled towards the end of meetings. Shifting this segment could encourage more residents to participate, but would require an amendment to the city’s ordinances.

Council members expressed a desire to maintain an open dialogue with the public. Alderman Blessem emphasized the importance of face-to-face interaction, arguing against limiting comments to only agenda items or the previous meeting's topics. He noted that such restrictions could hinder valuable community feedback on various issues.

The council also debated the proposed time limits for public comments. While the North Dakota League of Cities suggested a three-minute limit, the council opted to retain the existing five-minute allowance to ensure ample time for residents to voice their concerns.

In a move to streamline the process, the council agreed to allow speaker cards to be filled out during meetings, rather than requiring prior submission. This change aims to facilitate spontaneous participation from residents who may wish to speak on topics that arise during discussions.

After extensive deliberation, the council unanimously approved the amended public comment resolution, which will take effect immediately. This resolution reflects the council's ongoing commitment to transparency and community involvement, ensuring that residents have a platform to express their views and concerns effectively.

The meeting concluded with a brief recess, as the council prepared to address additional agenda items. The changes to public comment procedures mark a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and responsive local government in Minot.