Astoria councilers push to formalize annual review of rules, clarify public-comment and media policies

Councilor Adams asked the Astoria City Council on Dec. 22 to add a formal review schedule to the council rules of procedure so every incoming member reviews the document and the council affirms any changes. "I would like to add into the document a section for review, whether it be annual or based on council changes," she said during the work session.

The request focused on three practical elements: an annual or election-cycle review, clearer agenda-setting processes and a communications policy. Staff told the council they can place the item on the January meeting and bring suggested wording back for adoption. "At least every January plus with those other instances," staff said, summarizing a minimum cadence for review.

Councilors debated whether the review should be strictly annual or tied to council turnover. Some members said an election-cycle approach makes sense because new members would benefit from a focused orientation; others argued a once-a-year check-in is a useful standard. Staff recommended using a January meeting to reaffirm rules and to add language that triggers review when a new member is appointed outside the election cycle.

The council also discussed public-comment procedures. Several councilors asked that the document make clear when a sign-up sheet is required and when it should be optional. Staff noted the packet mirrors public hearing language and that sign-up sheets are in practice used when large turnout is expected but are optional for ordinary meetings. "There's always an option to use the sign up sheet, but it's not mandatory for any hearing," staff said.

Another editing request came from Councilor Adams concerning decorum language. She asked staff to remove the word "obey" from a clause that instructs members to preserve decorum and to present alternate wording. Staff agreed to "wordsmith" the clause and return options at a future meeting.

On communication policy, councilors asked staff to draft clearer guidance about when an elected official is speaking on behalf of the city and when they are speaking personally. Staff said an organizational communications policy can be prepared for council review.

Staff took notes on the requested revisions and will return a redraft early in the new year for council direction and possible adoption. The session moved on after staff confirmed they had enough direction to proceed.