Athens council limits public remarks to designated Public Communications section

The Athens City Council on March 9 voted unanimously to amend its Public Communications Procedures and council rules so that public remarks are allowed only during the meeting’s designated Public Communications section, and only by citizens who complete a registration card before the meeting opens.

The change came after resident Anne Perryman asked the council to allow citizens to speak during agenda items. City Secretary Bonnie Hambrick explained that the council considered the issue in a Feb. 18 work session and determined, consistent with Texas Government Code Section 551.007, that the council may choose where to allow public comment. Hambrick summarized the proposed procedures: public comments would be confined to the Public Communications section, speakers must register before the meeting, an agenda item “dies” for lack of motion, and an item denied by vote cannot return to an agenda for 90 calendar days unless two council members request it or a majority votes to place it earlier.

Mayor Aaron Smith called the motion to adopt the amendments; Councilwoman SyTanna Freeman moved to approve and Councilwoman Katha Lawyer seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Supporters of the change told the council it clarifies meeting management and reduces interruptions; opponents at the meeting expressed concern that it would limit citizens’ ability to address individual agenda items when they are being considered. The council did not amend the registration or timing requirements during the session. The change takes effect under the city’s rules and will govern how and when citizens may address the council at future meetings.

The council also approved its consent agenda and other routine business during the March 9 session. The meeting record shows the item originated in a Feb. 18 work session where council members discussed placing public remarks in a single portion of the agenda.