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Council considers changing how commenters are labeled and reviews public‑comment rules
Summary
Councilor Katie Reding proposed relabeling people who live just outside city limits from "nonresidents" to a more inclusive term and the council discussed First Amendment constraints on restricting public comment. City Attorney Ashley Driscoll advised caution; the council tabled detailed action to research how other cities handle labeling and public‑comment policies.
Councilor Katie Reding proposed changing the label used in minutes for people who live outside city limits but share North Plains’ ZIP code (97133). She suggested language such as "North Plains area residents outside city limits" instead of the current label "nonresidents." Councilor James Fage emphasized the need to distinguish taxpaying city residents from those outside city limits because council members represent taxpayers; Councilor Trista Papen noted people outside city limits still use city resources and can provide useful feedback.
The council did not reach consensus and asked Councilor Reding to research practices in other cities, including consulting the League of Oregon Cities, and report back.
Separately, Council President Aaron Dumbrow read Section 4 of the council rules that limits public comment that would create a hostile work environment for city staff. City Attorney Ashley Driscoll cautioned that First Amendment protections limit the council’s ability to ban speech and suggested alternatives, including temporarily dismissing staff during public comment or, in extreme circumstances, considering not taking public comment. Councilor Papen asked staff to monitor comments that might create a hostile environment. Dumbrow proposed tabling the rules discussion for two meetings while staff gather information from other jurisdictions.
