Council debates narrowing 'communications' on the agenda amid public worries about transparency

Council President Miss Tilman proposed amending the municipal code to refine the 'communications' item in the council agenda so it would include only matters statutorily tied to petitions, remonstrances or items relevant to pending ordinances and resolutions.

"This is not negating the right to submit communications," Tilman said; she stressed the change aims to keep the published agenda focused on items that require statutory notice or are directly relevant to council action. Corporation Counsel advised that the section traditionally covered petitions and remonstrances contemplated by statute.

During the public‑comment period, several residents urged the council not to remove communications from the agenda. Speakers said the brief title‑only listing is an important public notice that lets residents know documents exist and how to request them. "If you take them off there, you're saying people can still request them — how would anybody know?" one commenter asked.

Council discussion split: some members supported narrowing the published agenda to preserve orderly meetings and protect against abusive or threatening submissions; others said the current system is transparent and useful for residents and should remain intact. Council President said the ordinance will go to second reading to allow additional review and clarification.

What happens next: The ordinance was carried to second reading. Staff and the city attorney advised that the change would not prevent filings to the clerk’s office; it would instead define which written items appear on the published agenda. Council members asked staff to ensure clear public notice and preserve access to submitted documents.