Council moves public participation ordinance to second reading after public comment supporting limits on disruptive remarks

St. Marys City Council introduced an ordinance concerning public participation at council meetings and scheduled it for a second reading the following week. The ordinance cites the municipal code section governing public participation and, according to council, would clarify rules for comment topics, time limits and prohibitions on personal attacks.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Rick Greenwald, a former mayor and long‑time local official, told council he supported the ordinance and praised the use of time limits and decorum enforcement used by previous council presidents. "We had a general rule of five minutes for speaking, which I think is fine," Greenwald said. He added that past presidents enforced rules that prevented personal criticism and repetitive remarks and said he had "no problem with this whatsoever."

Patrick McGowan, who also said he had served as mayor, echoed that support and said the legislation did not inhibit free speech but aimed to ensure speakers conduct themselves respectfully. "This piece of legislation in no way inhibits anyone's public speech, but there is a way to come to council, conduct yourself, and present your argument, and leave it at that," McGowan said.

Council did not take final action on the ordinance at the meeting; the item was scheduled for a subsequent reading. Councilmembers asked staff and legal counsel to ensure the ordinance language and any legal descriptions are accurate before a final vote.

Ending: The public-participation ordinance will return to council for a second reading and possible final action at a future meeting.