Committee backs 3‑minute speaking limit at a time; sends rule to full council with recommendation

The committee voted Jan. 27 to forward to the full City Council an amended decorum rule that would limit each speaking turn during debate to three minutes.

Councilor Patty Devine originally proposed adding a rule to Rule 6(c) that would have capped speaking at four minutes. Committee members discussed practicalities of timing, abuse concerns and whether the limit should apply per turn or as a cumulative cap across multiple turns. Councilor Macon offered an amendment to make the limit per speaking turn; the committee ultimately amended the proposal to three minutes per speaking turn.

Committee members and staff discussed timing logistics. City Council Assistant Jeffrey said he could provide a Bluetooth or phone-based timer that displays the countdown to the chamber while allowing the presiding officer to see remaining time; he also noted earlier clock-display issues where the president could not see the chamber-facing clock. Members suggested low‑profile options (an egg timer or a simple countdown) to avoid an unduly confrontational display.

The committee voted to send the amended rule to full council with the committee’s recommendation. The motion passed with the committee voting “Aye.” The committee also agreed that the council retains the ability to suspend rules to allow extra time where the body chooses.

Quote: “I think if people want to speak, you know, then you wanna have an opportunity... but let's make it as efficiently as possible,” Chair Meg McGrath Smith said during debate.

Ending: The committee will forward the amendment (no councilor shall speak more than three minutes at a time during debate) to the full council for consideration; staff will trial discrete timer options and report back.