Grants Pass council affirms 30‑minute limit for general public comment at meetings

The Grants Pass City Council at a workshop reaffirmed a 30‑minute total limit for general public comment at business meetings and said that council could vote to extend the period if needed.

Mayor Clint introduced the topic citing concerns about decorum and safety after a recent meeting in which he said some public behavior was disruptive. He said the 30‑minute limit — an existing council rule carried over from the previous council — should be observed at future meetings.

Council debate ranged from procedural questions to substantive concerns about fairness and the public's ability to be heard. Councilor Rob warned that reducing public time would not have shortened the unusually long meeting the body had earlier, because most extended comment then occurred during council action items rather than general comment. Others said the 30‑minute rule is a reasonable floor that preserves time for council business while still allowing public voice.

Staff noted the distinction between general public comment (a courtesy at business meetings) and public hearings or council action items, where public input is typically an established part of the agenda. Staff also confirmed the council can vote at any meeting to extend public comment time if councilors judge it necessary.

By the end of the discussion councilors indicated broad agreement to maintain a 30‑minute limit for general public comment going forward and to allow council discretion to extend that time at meetings when appropriate.