Commission reiterates advance sign-up requirement for public testimony after multiple comments

Several members of the public used the Feb. 13, 2025, Planning and Zoning meeting to question a recent clarification requiring speakers to sign up in advance to testify on conditional use permits and other hearings.

Sherry Corrington told the commission she was unaware of the sign-up requirement and said requiring advance registration creates “one more barrier between public comment and public process.” Jamie Bricker, speaking for the Skagway Traditional Council, noted her administrator had not been present and said she was unable to remain for the full meeting but wanted to voice support for the council’s pending application.

Commissioners and staff responded that the advance-sign-up policy was developed with attorney review to preserve the municipality’s ability to apply appeal procedures: Clerk Burnham is quoted in the record (via a commissioner reading his emailed guidance) saying the approach ensures only those who participated in hearings can testify in an appeal and that similar procedures are used in other communities. The clerk’s guidance also noted the hearing posting dates and the deadline to sign up or submit written comments were published in advance of the meeting.

Commissioner Tom Silva reiterated that the commission must follow existing procedures consistently until they are changed, and several speakers said they felt the timing and notice of some postings could be improved. The commission did not take further action at the meeting; commissioners encouraged residents to use the published sign-up deadline and submit written comments if they cannot attend.