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City attorney: Columbia will keep three‑minute public comments and add separate non‑agenda comment period
Summary
City Attorney C. Turner told council that the city has historically allowed non‑residents to speak at meetings and that the council will create a separate non‑agenda public‑comment item on future agendas while maintaining a three‑minute limit per speaker.
City Attorney C. Turner briefed the Columbia City Council on the city’s public‑comment practices and a recent change to how speakers sign up. C. Turner said the city has long permitted comments at study sessions and allowed non‑residents to address council; staff will revise the sign‑in sheet to let speakers indicate whether their comment is an agenda item or non‑agenda item.
"We have always, as you know, allowed comments at study session regarding anything, whether it's not an agenda item or not," C. Turner said, explaining the city’s historical practice. The mayor confirmed council will add a separate public‑comment section for non‑agenda items and noted the existing three‑minute time limit will be retained.
Council and staff discussed how the sign‑in sheet will be updated to flag items for staff and council review; the city attorney noted the sign‑in sheet language and the practice are intended to help council manage speakers while preserving public access. No formal ordinance or policy change was adopted that evening; the matter was addressed as an informational briefing and administrative direction to staff.
