Grand Prairie city officials are considering significant changes to public hearing procedures following a recent council meeting. The proposed adjustments aim to streamline the process for zoning items and citizen comments, enhancing efficiency and clarity for both applicants and residents.

During the meeting, council members discussed limiting presentation times for zoning applicants to five minutes, with additional speakers allowed three minutes each. This change is intended to ensure that the council receives concise information while still allowing for public input. The council is also contemplating a system where the time allotted for speakers could vary based on the number of participants signed up to speak, promoting a more organized approach to public hearings.

In addition to these procedural changes, the council is exploring options for citizen comments, including online registration and email submissions. This would allow residents to express their views even if they cannot attend the meetings in person. The council emphasized the importance of providing adequate notice and education to the public before implementing any changes, suggesting a phased approach to allow residents to adapt.

The council plans to revisit these proposals in the next meeting, with the potential for a formal vote. If approved, the changes would require an amendment to the city’s code of ordinances and updates to the city website to inform the public.

Furthermore, discussions included the need for establishing speaker guidelines to maintain decorum during meetings, ensuring that all participants adhere to respectful communication standards.

As Grand Prairie moves forward with these proposed changes, the council is committed to enhancing public engagement and ensuring that community voices are heard effectively in local governance.