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Commissioners debate moving public comment before votes; staff to draft standard script
Summary
The Parks & Recreation Commission discussed whether to take public comment before each agenda vote or keep a single public‑comment period; staff will draft descriptive language and a script to add to agenda items 8 and 10 for the commission to vote on later.
Commissioners discussed changing the meeting rules so public comment is taken before each vote rather than only at the top or at the end of meetings. Staff said Robert's Rules allows either approach but recommended a consistent written policy to avoid the appearance of selective public input.
"We could write up a script for agenda item number 8 that's read every single time," the Parks & Recreation Director said, proposing a short, consistent prompt that informs the public about timing, three‑minute limits and that comment time is not a Q&A. Several commissioners supported drafting language and placing explanatory text under both agenda items 8 and 10; several also noted that moving public comment before votes can help people who cannot stay for an entire meeting.
The commission did not vote on a rules change at this meeting; staff will prepare written language and bring it back for a formal motion and vote at a future meeting.
