Alhambra Council votes to move non‑agendized public comment to start of meetings, sets 30‑minute window

The Alhambra City Council voted unanimously Jan. 13 to temporarily relocate public comment on non‑agendized items to the start of regular meetings, immediately after ceremonial items, and to reserve 30 minutes for that segment.

Council members said the change aims to increase public participation by making it easier for parents, seniors and shift workers to address the council without waiting until late in the meeting.

Lauren Miles, Alhambra city clerk, told the council staff surveyed nearby cities and found that of 12 surveyed jurisdictions five place non‑agendized public comment at the start of the agenda and seven place it toward the middle. "A chart outlining staff survey results is attached to the staff report for your reference," Miles said.

Residents who spoke during the item urged the council to move the comment window earlier. Randy Kaye, a resident who said he contacted 39 nearby cities, asked the council to "reserve the first 30 minutes of each council meeting for public comment on nonagendized items." He told the council many residents — including seniors, parents and health‑care workers — cannot wait through long meetings to speak.

Vice Mayor Lee said she supported the change after hearing from callers who had to wait hours to speak. "I'm I am very open to either being, having the on agenda item being spoken at the middle of the meeting or at the beginning," Lee said, adding she wanted action tonight.

Council Member Andrade Stadler moved to temporarily move non‑agendized public comment to directly behind ceremonial items, with a 30‑minute allowance and direction for staff to return with an evaluation. Council Member Maaza seconded. During debate council members discussed the length of the trial period; staff initially were asked to return in three months, and the motion was amended to ask staff to report back at the beginning of summer to assess how the change is working. The motion passed on a roll call vote: Maloney — yes; Lee — yes; Andrade Stadler — yes; Maaza — yes; Wang — yes.

Council and staff said the change will be publicized before it goes into effect so residents understand the temporary trial period and how the new order will work.

The council did not amend the municipal code that night; the city attorney advised that the council may order a different agenda sequence at any time but asked staff to draft an ordinance if the council wants the change reflected permanently.

The council set no further procedural limits beyond the 30‑minute cap and directed staff to return with a report at the beginning of summer comparing participation and workflow under the new order.

The change takes effect immediately for future regular meetings and will remain temporary pending the staff report to the council.