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Southport aldermen adopt public-comment policy without time‑limit provision amid calls for public input
Summary
A majority of aldermen voted to adopt a public‑comment policy at the Nov. 3 meeting after removing a proposed item that would impose time limits (and spokesperson time allowances); one member asked for the item to be delayed for public input but the motion passed by voice vote.
The Board of Aldermen adopted a public-comment policy at its Nov. 3 meeting after removing a proposed item that would set a specific time limit for speakers and allow extra time for a designated spokesperson for groups. The motion to adopt the policy with that removal was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote, though at least one alderman voted no and asked that the matter be deferred to allow public input.
An alderman opposed restricting public-comment time and urged the board to give the public a chance to weigh in; a colleague noted that the item had been on the agenda and that no members of the public signed up for comment that day. The board discussed county practices — including 3-minute speaker limits and a spokesperson allowance for groups — and an example of using lighted timers, but ultimately removed the time-allocation paragraph from the policy.
The motion as adopted removes item 3 (the time allocation paragraph) and retains other procedural rules (sign‑up, relevance to city business and decorum). Members suggested staff bring language about prohibiting strong scents and loud noises at future meetings; staff agreed to return with proposed language.
The policy takes effect immediately; staff will publish the updated rules and consider adding a scent/noise clause at the next meeting.
