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Leavenworth commissioners agree to remove non-agenda restriction, keep three-minute limit for public comment
Summary
After staff outlined options to reduce awkward exchanges during public comment, commissioners agreed to remove the language limiting remarks to non-agenda items, keep the three-minute time limit, avoid codifying a written policy and direct staff to adjust meeting script language.
City staff presented proposed clarifications to the public-comment script and meeting practice at the Leavenworth City Commission meeting, and commissioners agreed by consensus to drop a clause that limited public comment to items not on the agenda while retaining a three-minute per-speaker limit.
Scott, a city staff member who advised the commission on the legal framework for public meetings, told commissioners “there is no legal requirement that you have a public comment section in the first place,” and cautioned that distinguishing agenda vs. non‑agenda topics could raise questions about viewpoint-based restrictions on speech. He advised either allowing general public comment or providing opportunities for comment on each agenda item to avoid creating a content-based limit.
Commissioners discussed keeping flexibility rather than creating an ordinance or strict written policy. Commissioner Martin and others said they preferred to hear speakers who come to the meeting and to avoid additional regulation, while also not limiting administrative options for group presenters (the city will continue to ask groups to appoint a single representative but will not prohibit multiple people from speaking). The commission asked staff to “massage” the standard public‑comment paragraph used at the start of meetings so it more clearly says the commission will not take action on public comments during that meeting and to clarify follow-up options.
City staff said they will prepare revised wording for the opening script and, if needed, recommend whether any formal written policy would be helpful. Commissioners signaled no desire to codify a new ordinance at this time and asked staff to reflect the consensus — remove the “items not listed on the agenda” language, keep the time limit, and allow staff to administratively handle requests for additional time for group representatives.
No formal vote was taken; the guidance was recorded as a commission consensus and staff will return with proposed language for the meeting opening in coming weeks.
