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Council adopts updated rules limiting non-agenda comments; the move prompts heated public response
Summary
By a 4–1 vote the council adopted two resolutions that change decorum and the handling of non-agenda public comment; the vote and proposed changes drew extensive public testimony accusing the city of curbing free speech.
The Clearwater City Council on Jan. 16 adopted two resolutions, numbered 2502 and 2503, that revise council decorum rules and alter how the city will receive public comments not tied to specific agenda items. Both resolutions passed by 4–1 votes.
Council members debated the policy at length during the meeting. After a public-comment period that drew dozens of speakers and repeated references to the First Amendment, the council voted first to adopt Resolution 2502 and then Resolution 2503. The transcript shows the votes were recorded 4–1 on each resolution.
The changes sparked vigorous public outcry. Resident Christine Scott told the council plainly,…
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