City parliamentarian outlines rules of order, council proposes three-minute public-comment limit

Bennett, the city’s parliamentarian, opened a 30-minute presentation explaining how Robert’s Rules of Order and state open‑meetings law guide council proceedings and public-comment practice. He said the council should follow a consistent set of procedures so agenda items are visible to the public and members have time to review materials before voting. Bennett noted a quorum requirement and reminded the council that the presiding officer should be impartial when conducting votes.

Bennett described a proposed public‑comment structure that would give each registered speaker three minutes and said the city will provide written rules and a training session. “If we say three minutes, it’s three minutes,” he said, arguing a consistent time limit protects First Amendment rights by treating speakers equally. He also outlined a 30/60/90 notice timeline and the possibility of civil enforcement (fines, liens, cleanup) only after voluntary compliance efforts fail.

Councilors and members of the public asked questions about equitable enforcement, how time yields or extensions would work, and whether the mayor or council could change the practice by general consent. Several councilors said they want additional meetings with the city attorney and staff before any letters or formal enforcement are mailed or enacted. The presentation concluded with an agreement to provide written procedures and to schedule a training session for council and staff.

The discussion is procedural: the council did not vote to adopt a final, binding ordinance on public comment at the meeting. Staff said a formal vote on any new written policy or the proposed public‑comment letter could come at a later meeting after legal review and further council discussion.