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East Palo Alto council adopts disruption policy clarifying public‑comment rules and signage limits
Summary
The council adopted a disruption policy clarifying remote‑access disruptions, public‑comment time limits and signage rules (one sign per person; no unattended signs). The measure passed after public concern about past meeting disruptions and enforcement procedures.
The East Palo Alto City Council on June 23 adopted a disruption policy amending the city’s code of ethics to clarify how the council will respond to meeting disruptions in person and online.
City staff explained the policy was intended to comply with requirements referenced in the presentation (staff cited "SP 707") and to formalize existing practice under the Brown Act. The policy sets out procedures for handling remote‑access disruptions (requiring a recess and at least one hour to attempt to restore remote public access), allows reasonable time limits for public comment (two minutes by default; reduced to one minute if 20+ speakers sign up), and authorizes the chair to manage the order of speakers and place aggregate limits on public comment when needed.
The council approved an amendment at the dais to limit signs and props: one sign per person and a prohibition on unattended signs that block aisles, exits or accessibility features. Staff described a staged enforcement approach: notice and warning before removal for most misconduct, with immediate removal authorized for threats or physical violence; law enforcement involvement remains an option if disruptions continue after warnings.
Council members asked how the policy defines "actual disruption," whether enforcement decisions are the chair’s discretion, what steps are required before removal and whether there is an appeal or post‑meeting review for removals. Staff said "actual disruption" follows case law and refers to behavior that prevents orderly council business, cautioned that ephemeral outbursts may not meet that standard, and recommended documenting actions and counseling individuals rather than pursuing arrests in most instances.
Public commenters raised concerns about intimidation, signage use at meetings and the safety of participants. The council voted to adopt the resolution as amended. Staff will publish the adopted policy, update the code of ethics document and prepare staff training and enforcement documentation.
