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Residents press council over speaking-time limits, Zoom access and mask enforcement during heated public comment
Summary
Dozens of residents spoke on Sept. 25 opposing a proposed reduction in public-comment time from six to four minutes, urging restoration of Zoom access for disabled residents and criticizing mask/enforcement decisions after a speaker's removal for wearing a costume mask.
A lengthy and emotionally charged public‑comment period on Sept. 25 centered on a proposed change reducing public‑comment time from six minutes to four minutes, access for disabled residents (including restoration of Zoom participation), and a confrontation over a speaker’s costume mask.
Walter Stoschell and other longtime residents urged the council not to reduce speaking time, arguing six minutes allows non‑professional members of the public to make substantive statements about zoning, safety and other issues: "The council should reject this ordinance," Stoschell said, noting older residents and those without counsel rely on the longer allotment.
Several commenters called for restoring virtual access introduced during COVID for residents with mobility or disability constraints. Council members responded that the administration and council would explore options; multiple councilmembers favored re‑establishing Zoom access for people who cannot physically attend.
A recurring public speaker who identified their location as "The Matrix" and later as "Artificial intelligence" engaged in a protracted exchange with the chair after wearing a costume mask at the podium. The chair requested removal of the costume mask as a matter of decorum (while acknowledging health/safety masks were acceptable); the speaker repeatedly challenged the ruling and made accusations about police and judicial actions earlier in the transcript. Council warned that continued noncompliance could result in forfeiture of time and removal; the speaker removed the mask after repeated direction.
Other community comments included requests for more timely agendas, sidewalk enforcement, a traffic signal at Harding Avenue, and follow-up on school‑area parking/safety. Council acknowledged the intensity of the session and said a subcommittee on council decorum and access would be a suitable venue to address some concerns.
The public‑comment session concluded after the mayor/council sang 'Happy Birthday' to Councilman Schmuel and the council voted to adjourn at 10:23 p.m.
