Councilor Rogers seeks one 3-minute public-comment rule; proposal referred to committee

Councilor Katie Rogers introduced an amendment to the council's public-participation rules to create a single three-minute time allotment per resident for either agenda or non-agenda comments, replacing the current separate two-minute agenda and two-minute non-agenda lists.

Rogers said the separate lists cause confusion and inconsistency and can force residents with mobility or disability concerns to wait until the end of meetings for non-agenda remarks. "My recommendation is plain and simple, 3 minutes per resident, whether it's agenda or non agenda, freedom of speech," she said. The council voted to refer the proposal to the Committee on Legislative Affairs for drafting and review.

Next steps: The Committee on Legislative Affairs will review language and return a draft for council consideration.