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Dickinson adopts model public‑comment policy tied to state law; limits comments to current or previous agenda items
Summary
The Dickinson City Commission approved a resolution adopting a public comment policy intended to implement Senate Bill 2180, requiring speaker cards, contact information and restricting comments to items on the current or previous agenda.
The Dickinson City Commission on July 1 adopted a resolution setting new rules for public comment that the city says implements Senate Bill 2180.
City Administrator J. Dossinger presented the resolution, saying it “affirms the city's obligation to follow Senate Bill 2180,” and noted the proposal draws from a League of Cities model and a version the county recently adopted. Under the adopted policy, public comment will appear either as the last item or the first nonprocedural item on regular meeting agendas. Individuals must submit a speaker card before the meeting that includes name, address and the agenda item the comment relates to; missing information disqualifies the speaker. Speakers are allotted five minutes each and may not “time share.” Written comments can be submitted 24 hours in advance for distribution to commissioners before the meeting; later submissions will be distributed after the meeting.
Dossinger said the policy “emphasizes maintaining order, respect and efficiency in meetings and replaces all previous public comments policies in place by the city of Dickinson.” Zwanko told the commission the League of Cities draft did not include a residence requirement and that the address was requested to assist commissioners in weighing comments, not to bar nonresidents. Dossinger and Zwanko confirmed the policy limits comments to matters on the current or prior agenda; “there will be no opportunity for random comment,” Dossinger said during discussion.
The resolution drew public comment at the meeting. Resident Ryan Masano objected to limits he said would curb First Amendment protections and argued the policy could prevent speakers from raising matters that relate to Dickinson but originate outside city limits. The commission and staff responded that the requirement reflects the new state law and aims to keep meetings on agenda business.
The commission voted to adopt Resolution 25‑25. See the votes summary for mover/second and tally.
