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Council adopts procedure allowing government representatives to request speaking time, sets 30-minute cap for the section
Summary
The Mableton City Council approved a resolution creating a standard procedure for government representatives to request speaking opportunities at council meetings, allocating five minutes per presenter and a 30-minute cap for the agenda section unless the council approves more time.
The Mableton City Council approved a resolution on Feb. 12 that establishes a process for government representatives (county, state or other government agencies) to request speaking opportunities at council meetings. The resolution requires advance notice, limits presenters to an initial five minutes, and allows additional time for council questions if the presiding officer (the mayor) and council approve.
During discussion Councilmember T.J. Ferguson asked for a ceiling on the total time allowed for the agenda section so that the meeting would not be monopolized by outside presentations. Councilmembers debated whether a 20- or 30-minute cap would be appropriate. The council ultimately approved a motion to adopt the procedure with a 30-minute limit for the section on the agenda; members clarified that the initial allocation for each approved speaker remains five minutes, and that the mayor will schedule presentations so the total section does not exceed the cap.
The motion was moved, amended to reflect the 30-minute limit, and approved by voice vote. The attorney was authorized to make conforming language edits. Council members said the approach mirrors the public-comment time-cap concept and preserves the council’s discretion in approving agenda items.
