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Proposal to add three-minute agenda-specific public comment period fails 2–4; board to consider ordinance draft
Summary
A motion to insert a three-minute public-comment slot for speakers to address specific consent and new-business agenda items failed on a 2–4 recorded vote. Commissioners discussed sign-up procedures, speaker caps and whether to insert the slot at the start of the meeting; staff will draft a formal ordinance amendment for future consideration.
Commissioner Nate Newkirk moved to add a three-minute public-comment period prior to the consent agenda to allow speakers to address specific agenda items, citing a desire for greater public access to discussion during new-business consideration.
"Currently, right now, there is no public comments on the agenda items in the new business or the consent agenda," Newkirk said, describing a sign-in sheet system used by a nearby city and proposing a similar approach with a sign-up sheet and a three-minute time limit for speakers who identify a specific agenda item.
Commissioners debated practical limits to avoid excessively long meetings if large numbers signed up and discussed alternatives including limiting the number of speakers per agenda item or retaining the existing end-of-meeting public-comment period. Counsel and staff noted the existing county ordinance requires notice in writing five days in advance for public comments, a procedure the board does not presently follow and that would need revision if the board adopts a new approach.
When put to a vote the motion failed; the chair announced the result as two in favor and four opposed. Several commissioners asked county staff to draft a formal ordinance amendment with options (including sign-up, time limits and whether to prohibit repeated comments on the same item) for consideration at a future meeting.
