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Councilors debate shifting public comment to a monthly end-of-meeting slot
Summary
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem proposed consolidating public comment to one meeting per month, at the end of the meeting; council members discussed First Amendment considerations, Zoom access and accommodations for seniors and people with special needs and signaled broad support for pursuing the change.
Councilmembers discussed a proposal to change how and when public comment is offered at meetings.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem suggested moving public comment to the end of one meeting per month to keep regular meetings focused and reduce repetitive testimony. He and other council members said the change would not remove avenues for residents to reach staff through phone, email or sign-ups, but they debated preserving Zoom or other remote access options for those unable to attend in person.
Members raised concerns about First Amendment protections and access for seniors and people with special needs; some favored retaining a single monthly public-comment session but providing alternatives (phone, email, staff meetings, or special requests) so residents can still reach the council. Council consensus emerged around trying a monthly, end-of-meeting public-comment format and noting Zoom's availability (or removal) on sign-up materials.
The discussion was procedural; no ordinance or formal rule change was adopted at the meeting. Staff will note the council's direction and return with any changes for formal consideration if needed.
