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Ferrysburg council debates limiting public comment during agenda items; considers a 3‑minute rule
Summary
Council reviewed proposed revisions to council procedures that would change when and how public comments are taken; members were split on removing closing comments or restricting comments during agenda items, and discussed adding a 3‑minute limit with mayoral discretion to extend.
At a work session on council procedures, members discussed proposed changes to how and when the public can comment during meetings. Proposals under consideration included eliminating the closing public‑comment period and restricting comment on agenda items during the council’s in‑meeting discussion.
One council member who surveyed nearby municipalities noted Ferrysburg currently offers both opening and closing public comment and said many municipalities do not offer both. The council discussed options such as retaining opening public comment while eliminating closing comment, allowing comment before agenda items but not during council discussion, and adding a firm three‑minute limit per speaker with mayoral discretion to extend.
Supporters of preserving mid‑meeting public comment argued it allows residents to speak directly to an item when it is being discussed and is consistent with open-government practices. Opponents said limiting closing comment could reduce redundancy and streamline meetings; one speaker cautioned that removing agenda-item comment could be construed by residents as an attempt to limit participation.
Council asked staff to investigate practices used by other local governments, and some members signaled support for a formal three‑minute limit with the mayor having discretion to extend when appropriate.
Next steps: Staff will refine proposed procedural language (including a potential 3‑minute limit) and present options to council for formal adoption.
