Tolland Council approves rule change extending first public-comment slot to three minutes

The Tolland Town Council voted unanimously on Nov. 25 to amend its rules of procedure to give the first public-petition speaker three minutes and the second speaker two minutes.

Chair introduced agenda item 8.2 and described the change as a timing adjustment to allow residents who cannot stay for the entire meeting an earlier, longer opportunity to speak. "I would entertain a motion to adopt the amendment to the top of the rules and procedure as outlined in agenda item 8.2," the chair said before the motion was moved and seconded.

Councillor Greeny moved the amendment and Councillor Wells seconded. The council proceeded to a roll-call vote; multiple councilors answered "aye," and the chair declared the amendment passed unanimously.

The amendment affects only the allocation of public-comment time and does not change other parts of council procedure. Staff had provided the draft resolution for council consideration and the rules change will be reflected in council materials going forward.