The Springfield City Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to adopt a public comment policy that adds a public-comment line item to future meetings and sets procedures for signing up to speak. Carolyn Durham, the city’s community development director, presented the policy and outlined the sign-up process.

Durham said anyone wishing to speak must sign up by noon the day before a meeting, either online or by phone. She explained that sign-up responsibilities differ by body: for the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals people call the community development office; for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen the city recorder handles sign-ups. Each speaker will be allowed up to two minutes to address the commission, Durham said.

Commissioner Cynthia Burkin moved to adopt the policy, Mary Dudley Onstad seconded, and a roll-call vote showed five yes votes — David Allen, Mary Dudley Onstad, Cynthia Burkin, Tony Cowan and Robert Ralston. The motion passed unanimously.

Durham told the commission she does not expect many sign-ups initially but said including the item is standard protocol for public meetings. The new policy takes effect for subsequent meetings and staff will post or otherwise publicize the sign-up procedure as appropriate.