York City Council adopts new rules and procedures despite member concern over 30‑minute public‑comment cap

York City Council voted on March 17 to adopt its 2026–2027 rules and procedures, a package that includes a 30‑minute limit on the general public‑comment period and the elimination of a second public‑comment segment later in meetings.

Teresa Joniscu introduced the resolution to adopt the rules and procedures. During debate a council member said she had proposed amendments in committee to protect resident participation — specifically expressing concern that a single 30‑minute block could be exhausted by non‑residents or non‑residents using the time and thereby displacing local residents. The council member said she could not support the rule change as written because it would remove a later opportunity for public comment and require speakers to resume at a subsequent meeting if they were not able to finish.

Proponents and other council members argued the 30‑minute limit is a practical step to allow the legislative body to complete agenda business and avoid long meetings; one council member said past practice left council sitting late into the night with more limited ability to deliberate. Officials also noted there are alternative ways for the public to contact council (phone, email) and emphasized that the city has historically been liberal in allowing public comment.

Public commenter Manuel Gomez urged the council to keep broad access for speakers and described cameras and the public spectacle as drivers of extraneous commentary, while acknowledging the staff’s efforts to balance openness with the need to complete council business. “You have to have some sort of time limit for the public comment session… I don't know if 30 minutes is enough,” Gomez said, noting the council has been liberal about allowing public comment in practice and sometimes exceeds the stated limit.

After discussion the clerk called the roll; the recorded vote showed three members in favor and one recorded no vote from a member who said earlier that they could not support the rule changes as proposed. The resolution carried.

What it means

The change shortens the formal allotted time for in‑chamber public comment and removes a second, later‑meeting comment period, placing greater emphasis on the initial comment block. Council members who opposed the measure said the changes could limit resident participation if non‑residents occupy the speaking time.

Next steps

The rules take effect immediately upon adoption; members indicated committee review and possible future amendments could follow as the council monitors how the rule changes affect public participation.