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Board adopts public‑comment policy but removes preset speaker time limit
Summary
The Southport Board of Aldermen adopted a written public‑comment policy Nov. 3 that omits a previously proposed preset time limit for individual speakers; some aldermen called for additional public input before finalizing decorum rules, but the measure passed after discussion.
The Board of Aldermen voted to adopt a written public‑comment policy with the removal of item 3, which would have allocated a fixed number of minutes per speaker and allowed extra time for a designated spokesperson for groups. Alderman Carroll had proposed the policy and asked for input; opponents argued the public should have a chance to weigh in before adoption. The board proceeded to vote and adopted the policy with the time‑limit provision removed.
Supporters framed the policy as a decorum measure to keep comments relevant to city business and municipal services; staff and aldermen noted that the city already uses sign‑up procedures and that notice of the policy had been on the agenda. The policy as adopted keeps an established signup process and clarifies decorum but does not impose the removed numeric time limit on speakers. The board asked staff to bring additional language (including rules on scent or loud noises) to a future meeting.
