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City attorney advises against requiring public-comment cards; council hears legal risks
Summary
Harrisville’s city attorney recommended against changing the council’s public-comment format, saying there is no statutory requirement for public comment and warning that formal card systems and changing the forum risk creating First Amendment and procedural issues.
Harrisville — The city attorney recommended keeping the council’s existing public‑comment procedures rather than adopting a requirement for public-comment cards or splitting comment periods, citing legal risk and practical problems.
Brody, the city attorney, briefed the council after members asked staff to review options for public-comment cards and alternative comment formats. "There is absolutely no statutory requirement to have public comment in this meeting," Brody said, adding that public hearings…
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