Mount Rainier council adopts tighter public‑comment rules, 5–0

The Mount Rainier mayor and council voted unanimously April 7 to adopt new rules for public comment that formalize a three‑minute time limit, require speakers to sign in and ask that commenters give a block number rather than a full street address for recording purposes.

The change came after council discussed phrasing about how residents should refer to elected officials from the podium. Councilmember Joseph moved to replace the council‑rules text under section 7(c)(3) with the version included in the legislative packet; Mayor Selena Benitez seconded the motion. "Hearing none, the motion passes 5 0 0," the mayor said after the clerk counted votes.

Councilmembers said the edits are intended to make the guidelines clearer and easier for staff to administer. The packet version includes a requirement that speakers introduce themselves at the podium and spell their last name for the record, and it limits each speaker to three minutes unless the mayor grants an extension.

During discussion, Councilmember Joseph pressed to add a sentence about referring to officials by title when necessary; council members debated placement and phrasing before deciding to adopt the packet text and return wording refinements to staff and legal counsel for the next meeting. "If you wish to lodge a complaint about the performance or conduct of any city employee, please bring your concerns to the attention of the city manager," the adopted rules say.

Mayor Benitez said the procedural change was aimed at improving clarity and fairness for both residents and staff. The council enacted the new rules before the evening’s public‑comment block began; the mayor and staff said the city will post the revised rules and continue to refine language in future work sessions.

The council’s vote was recorded as 5 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain.