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Councilors weigh public-comment time limits and enforcement
Summary
Councilors debated whether to keep, shorten or clarify public-comment time limits; one participant stressed enforceability and favored explicit speaking-time caps to avoid ad hoc enforcement or legal exposure.
Councilors discussed the duration and enforceability of public-comment time limits in the draft rules. Smythe said she retained the existing public-forum allotment and that track changes reflect what already exists; other members noted some sections allow flexibility and suggested the council explicitly state the desired timeframe.
Speaker 6 emphasized enforceability, saying time limits and other procedural rules should be written so the council can apply them consistently: "So something like time limits, speaking time limits be very important to have." Councilors agreed clarity would help the clerk's office and the public understand expectations for comment and reduce last-minute disruptions.
