Cosmopolis council approves new meeting agenda format after debate on public comment timing

At the regular meeting that followed the sewer workshop, Councilmember Wynne presented a proposal to reorder the council meeting agenda so that new business discussion would be followed by public comment and then a voting period. "The goal is to make this more transparent for citizens so that they have all the information before there’s an opportunity for them to make public comment," Wynne said.

Council debate and rationale: Supporters said the format would let citizens hear council discussion before commenting and avoid people using public comment to preempt deliberations; opponents cautioned that the change could open longer question‑and‑answer sessions or create expectations that the council vote the same night without adequate notice. Members raised state rules on ordinance notice and the need to protect citizens who lack internet access or who rely on prior notice.

Vote and outcome: After discussion, a motion to approve the agenda/order format change was moved and seconded. The clerk conducted a roll‑call that recorded five affirmative votes (Kim Skinner; Councilman Wendell; Councilman Spargo; Councilman Collette; Councilperson Dursing). The mayor declared the motion approved.

What it means: The council approved the proposed procedural change and staff indicated the change will be reflected in the ordinance language previously submitted for the formal update to the municipal code. Councilmembers said the new order can be reexamined later if needed and that it would not prevent posting ordinances or giving the public time to review materials prior to a vote.

Next steps: City staff noted the ordinance language has been submitted and that permanent adoption will follow the required ordinance process; the council recorded the roll call and moved on to routine council business.