Mayor tells speakers to "speak to the council" as city clarifies public-comment expectations

At the start of the July 23, 2025, La Center City Council meeting, Mayor Strobin told members of the public, "You are here to speak to the council. Please speak to the council," and warned that speakers who turn to address the audience may be asked to leave. The mayor said he had previously allowed more relaxed behavior but wanted to enforce that decorum going forward. City Attorney Janine told the council that these meetings are for the council to conduct public business and that the meeting's legal requirements limit what the public-comment period is intended to accomplish. Janine said, "this particular meeting, the statute rec requires that the council meet, and I believe it's once a month, but we meet twice a month for to take care of the business of the council... this is a time to bring business before the council." She added that other forums could be created for broader public conversation, but that the council meeting itself has statutory constraints. Caller Kimberly Goheen, who participated by phone and said she sometimes turns toward the audience when speaking, objected to the restriction and said she considers the meeting "our meeting" where she speaks to the public as well as the council. The mayor and the city attorney did not adopt a new written rule during the meeting; the comments stated the mayor's intent to enforce that speakers address the council and cited the meeting's legal purpose. The council did not take a formal vote or pass an ordinance on public-comment procedures at the July 23 session; this item was presented as an announcement and explanation of meeting expectations.