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Rules Committee tables bid to add general public‑comment time to committee agendas
Summary
A motion to add a general public‑comment item to committee agendas and authorize chairs to allow rebuttal was debated at length; supporters framed it as expanding public participation, while the clerk and city attorneys warned of duplication, administrative costs and potential confusion; the amendment of the whole was adopted but the substantive item was tabled.
Supervisor Eliota Pier introduced an amendment of the whole to modify board rule 1.4 to add a general public comment item to committee agendas and to clarify that public comment should be linked to agenda items rather than provided only at the full Board. The clerk, Angela Calvillo, noted that the board's rules already encourage public testimony and raised operational concerns including duplication of comment and potential increases to meeting length and overtime ("the length of the committee meetings may increase," she said).
Supporters including grassroots organizers urged the change, arguing it would prevent public testimony from being blocked when items are removed from an agenda and would allow rebuttal time after staff or consultants respond to public statements. "The public needs to be allowed to speak more," Eric Brooks said, urging the committee to adopt a rebuttal mechanism.
Opponents and cautious members raised questions about redundancy with full Board comment, enforcement of equal time under the Brown Act and the logistics of implementation. The deputy city attorney said chairs can already introduce hearings on subject matter under existing rules but that the proposal requires careful thought about fairness and timing.
The committee adopted the amendment of the whole without objection but took a roll call on the primary legislation; recorded votes produced a divided result and the chair announced the item was tabled for further work.
Next step: item tabled in committee; authors and clerks indicated willingness to work on clarifying language and implementation details before future consideration by the Board.
