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Committee removes total public-comment cap and extends first-period speaker time to four minutes
Summary
The committee voted to remove the 15-minute total cap on committee public comment and amended a separate ordinance to increase the first public-comment period to four minutes per speaker. The changes passed in committee and will go to the full board as recommended.
Two related changes to committee public-comment rules passed in the Personnel & Administrative Affairs Committee.
Alderman Derek Tebow moved to remove the ordinance language that imposes a 15-minute total cap on public comment during committee meetings; the proposal preserves the existing three-minute-per-speaker allotment and lets comment continue until speakers are finished. Several aldermen noted concerns about potential abuse but supported protecting public access; the committee voted in favor.
A separate proposal from Alderman Paula Johnson sought to increase the individual allotment during the first public-comment period. After discussion and negotiating a compromise, Johnson amended her proposal to four minutes per speaker; the committee approved the amendment and then recommended final passage as amended (recorded roll calls show the amendment and the final recommendation carried in committee). Johnson framed the change as an ADA-sensitive accommodation and a modest extension to let speakers finish points on agenda items.
Both committee recommendations will be forwarded to the full Board of Aldermen for consideration.
