Residents and activists warn proposed rules changes could curb critical public comment

Members of the public used the council's public-comment period on March 17 to sharply criticize a proposed rules amendment they said would limit residents' ability to criticize city officials. Eric Sanchez, who identified himself during his remarks as a recurring public commenter, told the council the proposed language "is completely unconstitutional" because it would allow praise but prohibit criticism and leave enforcement to official discretion.

Steven Alvarez, who identified himself as a Mexican American resident, said his family experienced what he characterized as discriminatory treatment and alleged prior use of city resources against Latino residents; he also said past statements by city officials had attempted to silence discussion. Robert Jeter, who referenced a federal lawsuit that was dismissed related to a 10/15/2024 arrest, urged the council to hold members accountable and said voters support cleaning up meeting conduct.

During public comment Eric Sanchez said the ordinance's language "is going to be at your own discretion," and warned that amendments could prevent him from speaking for others who cannot appear in person. The mayor sustained points of order at several moments and instructed speakers to stay on topic; council did not take formal action on the proposed rules during the meeting.

Context: the city has been debating amendments to rules governing public comment; speakers at this meeting tied that debate to prior incidents and litigation. Council members did not vote on the rules ordinance at this meeting; the public comment period included requests for the council to reconsider the proposal and for formal accountability for past conduct.

Next steps: the transcript records public comment and council acknowledgment of the concerns; the proposed rules amendment remained on the agenda for future consideration and no formal vote was recorded on March 17.