Historic‑district board adopts procedural amendment allowing sign‑in and four‑minute public‑comment limit (waivable)

The Madison Historic District Board of Review held a second reading and voted to amend its local procedures to allow the presiding officer to require advance sign‑in for those who wish to speak during public comment and to set a four‑minute time limit per speaker, subject to waiver by the presiding officer or a majority of present voting members.

Board members debated the proposal at length. Supporters said the language makes explicit an authority the board needs to manage meeting length and to avoid being blindsided by large, time‑consuming public comment periods. One member said the amendment mirrors action the council has already adopted and would provide clarity and transparency to the public. Dissenting members warned the change could chill public participation and urged the board to first address internal meeting efficiency before restricting public comment.

The motion for the amendment was moved and seconded. The board recorded both approvals and dissent during the roll call; the chair announced the motion carried. Following the vote, members agreed the provision could be invoked only as needed and that staff should add clarifying language to ensure ordinary meetings are not curtailed by default.

The amendment will be incorporated into the board’s ordinance language and posted as part of the board’s public procedures; staff will make the revised language available to the public.