Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Muncie residents press council to reverse public-comment changes as council debates filing rules
Summary
Hundreds of residents spoke at a Muncie City Council meeting opposing new rules that move public comment to the start of meetings and limit speakers to two minutes; the council debated a separate procedural ordinance (3-26) that would tighten filing requirements for ordinances and resolutions.
MUNCIE — Dozens of residents who filled the council chamber urged the Muncie City Common Council on Monday to restore public-comment procedures they said will silence civic input.
Speakers told the council they opposed several rule changes introduced in January by Council President Jeff Green: moving public comment to the start of meetings, cutting speakers’ time from three minutes to two, and restricting comment when ordinances are introduced. "Removing comment from the public for the introduction of an ordinance seems counterproductive," said Elizabeth Riddle, a long-time Muncie resident, arguing oral input during introduction can surface useful ideas councilors had not anticipated.
Other speakers echoed concerns about safety and access. "I don't have an address to give out," Daisy Dale said after the council temporarily rolled back a requirement that podium speakers state their full…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
