Board adopts changes to meeting procedures: shorter general public‑comment limit, more flexibility for agenda timing

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted revisions to the Administrative Policy Manual that change how board meetings are managed, including time limits for public comment and new language giving the chair flexibility to limit “time‑certain” agenda items.

Major changes adopted: As drafted by county staff and adopted by the board, the policy now sets a 2‑minute per speaker limit for general public comment on matters not on the agenda and a 3‑minute limit for comment on listed agenda items. The prior manual had relied on an overall time cap rather than a per‑speaker rule. The board also removed a strict five‑minute cap for a speaker who addresses multiple items, allowing the chair to manage time where warranted. Other changes: the manual moves the consent agenda to immediately follow agenda review, clarifies how substitute motions are handled and updates guidance about ex parte disclosures for planning and land‑use hearings.

Why it matters: Supporters said the changes give the board more flexibility to run meetings efficiently while preserving the chair’s discretion to grant exceptions, including for accommodation needs. Staff framed the package as aligning the manual with how meetings actually operate and reducing outdated procedural language.

Questions raised: Supervisor Kelly Long asked whether the Levine Act threshold had changed; staff said the current threshold in state law remains $500 for reporting requirements (staff later confirmed edits reflect that figure). Supervisors also asked how accommodations such as interpretation or medical needs would be handled; staff said the policy preserves existing accommodations and the chair retains discretion.

Public comment: No members of the public spoke on the item.

Vote: The board approved the changes unanimously.