Addison council debates single public‑comment window, limits and decorum rules

The Addison City Council debated whether to consolidate public comments into a single opportunity at the start of work sessions, with some members saying the change would let residents speak about work‑session items before council gives direction and others saying it would force commentary before residents hear staff presentations. The council did not adopt a permanent rule change but agreed to place a rules‑and‑procedure work session on a future agenda for deeper review.

Councilmember Willis, who brought the idea forward, said the current two‑comment system can leave citizens unable to address work‑session items that draw council direction and proposed “just give them 1 public comment opportunity, and they can speak about anything whether it’s on the agenda or not.”

Opponents said consolidating comment at a single early point would reduce commenters’ ability to hear staff presentations and make informed remarks. One council member said, “the way I see you layout, you have a work session, and that’s where we’re all hearing about it, seeing it for the first time, hearing the presentations. Then … later on, would be a good time for somebody to make comments about it.”

Several council members and staff said they were open to limited changes — for example, allowing comments on consent or work‑session items during the early public‑comment window, adjusting time limits, or adding clearer decorum rules. Councilmember Howard suggested the council review the full rules and procedure document in a dedicated work session.

Mayor Arfston and city staff agreed to schedule a future work session to discuss council rules, public‑comment placement and time limits. The city secretary confirmed staff will provide the existing rules and procedure documents ahead of that meeting so members and the public can review possible options.

The discussion also included procedural clarifications: the work session public‑comment slot is optional and many residents do not attend work sessions, while any change to time limits or decorum would be addressed in council rules review. Councilmembers said they want to balance giving residents a meaningful voice with keeping work sessions efficient.