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Commission keeps 3-minute limit for commissioner comments for three months
Summary
After debate over meeting efficiency and fairness, the Historic Preservation Commission voted to continue a three-minute timer for commissioner comments and to revisit the rule in three months; commissioners clarified the timer does not apply to staff reports or applicant presentations.
The Ojai City Historic Preservation Commission voted July 10 to continue using a three-minute timer for commissioner comments and to review the time limit again in three months.
Vice Chair and other commissioners argued the timer helps move meetings along and ensures more equitable speaking time. Several members noted that staff reports and applicant presentations would not be timed; the timer was intended for commissioner comments and public comment only. Commissioner Walker and others said the measure was meant to reduce repetition from frequent speakers and allow more voices to be heard.
Commissioner Akins voted against continuing the three-minute limit, saying there are occasions when more time is appropriate for substantive updates. Chair McCatton said the commission could extend speaking time on presentations or allow flexibility where needed; the vote preserves the three-minute limit as the default.
A roll call showed McCatton, Sims, Bisaccia, Walker and Moore in favor and Akins opposed; the motion carried 5–1. The commission asked staff to ensure the timer is used for discussion segments and not during staff presentations or applicant pitches.
Provenance: Discussion begins with staff framing the revisit to the timer and continues to the roll-call vote to continue three-minute limits for commissioner comments.
