Residents attending Monday night’s City Council meeting were given the opportunity to speak during public comment for just under three minutes before officials announced the period had concluded, citing time constraints, agenda priorities, and the need to “keep things moving.”
The public comment period officially opened at 7:42 p.m. and closed at 7:45 p.m., shortly after the first speaker began outlining concerns regarding a recently approved municipal initiative.
“We want to thank everyone who came out,” said Council President Robert Hastings. “Unfortunately, we do need to move on.”
Several residents remained standing at the podium.
A Window Opens
Public comment is intended to allow residents to address elected officials directly, offering feedback, concerns, or questions on matters affecting the community.
Monday night’s agenda listed public comment as Item 6 of 14.
Hastings opened the period by reminding attendees that remarks should be limited to three minutes per speaker.
“We appreciate your participation,” he said.
The first speaker, local resident Angela Martinez, approached the podium holding several pages of notes.
“I just want to talk about how this decision affects our neighborhood,” Martinez said.
Approximately ninety seconds later, Hastings thanked Martinez and announced that public comment had concluded.
Confusion in the Room
Several residents reacted audibly, expressing surprise that the period had ended.
“I thought more people could speak,” said resident Daniel Price, who had been waiting his turn.
Hastings explained that the council needed to remain on schedule.
“We have a full agenda,” he said.
Price pointed out that only one resident had spoken.
“Yes,” Hastings said. “And we appreciate that.”
Rules, Flexibly Applied
Council members noted that public comment is discretionary.
“We’re not required to take comment on every item,” said Councilmember Sheila Nguyen. “We allow it as a courtesy.”
Nguyen said the council had already received written feedback prior to the meeting.
“We’ve heard from people,” she said.
Asked whether the written feedback addressed the same concerns Martinez attempted to raise, Nguyen said it was “similar in spirit.”
Residents Push Back
Several residents asked to be recognized after the comment period ended.
Hastings declined.
“We’re past that item,” he said.
Residents were encouraged to submit comments via email.
“You can always write to us,” said Councilmember Thomas Reed.
One resident asked whether emailed comments would be read aloud at future meetings.
“They’re reviewed,” Reed said.
Asked by whom, Reed said “staff.”
The Agenda Moves On
Following the brief public comment period, the council moved on to routine business, including approving meeting minutes and authorizing payments.
Residents who had hoped to speak remained seated.
“It feels like they checked a box,” said Price. “They can say they allowed public comment.”
Martinez said she felt cut off.
“I wasn’t even finished explaining,” she said. “They didn’t ask any questions.”
Officials Defend the Decision
Council members later said the decision to end public comment was necessary to maintain order.
“If we let everyone speak, meetings would go on forever,” Hastings said.
He noted that residents had other opportunities to engage.
“There are emails. There are office hours. There are elections,” he said.
Asked whether the council might consider extending public comment in the future, Hastings said it would depend on circumstances.
“We try to be fair,” he said.
Experts Weigh In
Civic engagement experts say truncating public comment can have lasting effects.
“When people feel silenced, trust erodes,” said Dr. Laura Simmons, who studies local governance.
Simmons said public comment serves both symbolic and practical purposes.
“It’s not just about influencing decisions,” she said. “It’s about being heard.”
Asked whether limiting comment after it has begun sends a message, Simmons said it does.
“It communicates that participation is conditional,” she said.
Residents Adjust Expectations
Several residents said they were not surprised by the outcome.
“This always happens,” said longtime resident Harold Brooks. “They let one person talk so they can say they listened.”
Others said they would reconsider attending future meetings.
“What’s the point?” Martinez asked. “They’ve already decided.”
Council Reflects
Council President Hastings said the meeting was productive.
“We covered a lot of ground,” he said.
Asked whether resident concerns would be addressed at a later date, Hastings said council would “take everything under advisement.”
“It’s part of the process,” he said.
Looking Ahead
The council is scheduled to meet again next month.
Public comment is listed on the agenda.
Residents say they’ll be watching the clock.
Editor’s Note
City Council did not specify how many public comments must be heard before a comment period is considered fulfilled. Requests for clarification regarding public participation policies were referred to the city’s administrative office.
