Council votes to add second public-comment period while keeping current meeting format

After extended debate about balancing citizen access and staff capacity, Hampton City Council voted to maintain the current meeting format and add a second public-comment period immediately following the Spotlight on Citizens segment.

Supporters argued an extra comment period increases civic participation and provides more timely response opportunities for residents. Opponents and staff cautioned that adding another formal comment period increases clerks' workload, could raise comp-time or overtime costs and reduce staff time for strategic work. Vice Mayor Wallace moved to adopt the manager's Option 2—keeping the current structure but placing a second public comment segment after Spotlight on Citizens—and the motion was seconded and approved by roll call.

Council also discussed procedural implications: moving the Spotlight on Citizens onto the formal meeting calendar would require a roll call and formal minutes for that agenda item going forward. Staff and council members asked that implementation account for clerks' capacity and for using online civic-engagement tools to supplement in-person comment opportunities.