Haslet council adopts rule to read emails into record and imposes three‑minute public‑comment limit

The Haslet City Council on March 30 unanimously adopted an amendment to the council relations policy to require that emails submitted to the city regarding agenda items be read into the record during city boards, commissions and council meetings, and set a standard three‑minute time limit for public comments.

Council staff presented a redline of the council relations policy and an updated public meeting appearance card. The changes place a three‑minute cap on both in‑person speakers and emails read into the record; the city secretary would read emails and a three‑minute limit would apply to those readings as well.

Council members debated operational details, including whether only Haslet residents’ emails should be read, how staff would verify residency, and a noon‑of‑meeting deadline for emails to be eligible for reading. The city attorney and staff said the policy could be adjusted later if verification proved burdensome; several council members said they wished to avoid depriving people who cannot attend in person of a voice. One council member suggested timed cards and microphones to enforce limits.

The motion to adopt the resolution — which included no residency distinction and retained the three‑minute cap for emails and speakers — was seconded and passed unanimously.