Evanston council tables proposed rules of procedure after legal concerns

The Evanston City Council on March 21 tabled Resolution 23-26, a proposed set of council rules of procedure, after multiple members raised legal and procedural concerns and asked for further review.

Miss Kirby introduced the resolution. During discussion council members probed several provisions, including limits on public comment during work sessions, the scope of section 4.9 governing public comment eligibility, and references to Robert's Rules and state statutes. Council member (speaker 10) said attorneys had flagged specific problems and suggested revisions; he noted an incorrect statutory citation in the draft and warned that some language "could get us in trouble" with respect to due process and free-speech considerations.

The city attorney (speaker 3) explained that section 4.9 applies specifically to the public comment section and is not intended to restrict discussion of agenda items during noticed hearings. Several council members requested clearer language, added statutory citations, and suggested allowing property owners or interested parties to speak in some cases where the draft limited comment to city residents.

After discussion the council moved to table the resolution to the next meeting so members could highlight and propose edits. A motion to table carried by voice vote and the item was scheduled for further consideration at an upcoming work session.

Next steps cited in the meeting included staff and council review of proposed language, attorney guidance on statutory references, and an opportunity for the public to comment at a scheduled work session prior to final action.