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Aldermen clarify public-comment time limits in code after lengthy debate
Summary
A first reading of an ordinance to clarify regular-agenda procedures and speaker time limits drew extended debate; the board approved the first reading 5-1 amid calls for metrics and preservation of presiding officer discretion.
The Board of Aldermen advanced an ordinance to amend section 2-72 of the Branson Municipal Code to clarify procedures for regular and special meeting agendas, including how and when the presiding officer may set time limits for speakers.
City Attorney Solon McGee told the board the existing code was ambiguous about whether a presiding officer’s time limits applied per speaker or to the overall discussion and proposed language that makes limits apply to each individual speaker and requires equal increments for all speakers. "We just wanted to make this more clear," McGee said.
Why it matters: the change seeks to give consistent expectations for speakers at regular and special meetings, clarifies that time limits are per speaker and that comments must be germane to the item on the floor, and makes special meetings subject to the same procedures. The proposal prompted sustained debate about whether the presiding officer should have unilateral discretion to impose limits or whether aldermen should vote to approve a time limit when invoked.
Board members expressed differing views. Alderman LeBlanc argued for trusting the presiding officer’s judgment; Alderman Schultz and others asked for a measurable trigger (for example, the number of speakers) rather than leaving limits entirely discretionary. At one point, a motion to table was made, withdrawn and then staff urged the body either to direct specific changes or adopt the draft and return with amendments. After extended discussion and a call for the question, the first reading passed 5-1, with Alderman Lucas voting no.
The ordinance text clarifies that the presiding officer may set an equal time limit per individual speaker, that comments must be germane, that repetitive comments may be curtailed, and that special meetings called under section 2-63 follow the same procedures. Staff recommended passing the draft as written and returning with any refinements after the board provided guidance.
The measure was recorded as bill number 65-65 on first reading and carried on the recorded vote. Further amendments and a final reading remain possible at a later meeting.
