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Residents push trustees to modify one‑comment‑per‑topic rule; trustees agree to reconsider

Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees · July 23, 2026

Summary

Multiple public speakers urged the board to amend a resolution that restricts residents to one comment per topic; trustees expressed sympathy, said they would consider language changes and noted back-and-forth often occurs in practice.

Resident Drew Soarer told the board he was concerned a recent resolution invoking Robert’s Rules was limiting meaningful public dialogue because it allows only one comment per topic and then forces residents to wait until trustee comments for responses. "I would kindly suggest removing the totally new 1 comment each section for people to make sure that they can come up and speak," Soarer said during public comment.

Trustees responded that they value resident input and would consider revising the language; several trustees said they routinely follow up with residents outside of meetings and encouraged residents to call or email when prompt attention is needed. The mayor and trustees said they would discuss the structure at a future work session.

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