Resident cites Robert’s Rules and First Amendment during public comment

During the public-comment period, Vincent Castro of 503 North Fairview Street addressed the council about an earlier meeting item he said involved an improper vote and defended the public’s right to dissent. "According to Robert's rules of order, no vote is legal unless the chairman of the of the body that is overseeing the meeting calls for the vote," Castro said, arguing that a prior vote to "praise" the city manager had not been properly called by the mayor and therefore was invalid.

Castro also framed his remarks in First Amendment terms, saying attendees have the right "to choose who we want to support or not support" and that public assembly and dissent should not be met with intimidation. The mayor asked other attendees for decorum during Castro's remarks and the city clerk verified Castro's address for the record. No formal motion or council action resulted from the comment.