Title
An Ordinance amending Article II. Council; Division 2. Procedures for the conduct of business by repealing Rule 13 of Section 2-49. Rules of Order and Section 2-50. Procedural rules for public meetings and public hearings conducted by video conference and amending Section 2-45 to provide transparency related to the conduct of meetings and the participation of the public therein. (Rules 2-13-26)
Body
Issue / Request:
At a recent City Council meeting, the Council heard comments from members of the public who felt that the City's rules related to public comments and public hearing. This issue was discussed on February 13, 2026 in the City Council Rules Committee. At that meeting staff presented an ordinance that combined three different code sections into a single section that includes the rule related to public comment, public hearings and public meeting / public hearings by video conference. This would allow all three sets of rules to exist in a single location in the City Code. The ordinance presented to the Committee provided a time limit of three minutes for the individual members of the public to testify during public hearings. As a result of Committee discussion staff was further directed to add a 45 minute limit for public hearing testimony on an item. These limits do not apply to the applicant or City Staff.
City Council Motion:
FIRST MOTION: I move for second reading of an Ordinance amending Article II. Council; Division 2. Procedures for the conduct of business by repealing Rule 13 of Section 2-49. Rules of Order and Section 2-50. Procedural rules for public meetings and public hearings conducted by video conference and amending Section 2-45 to provide transparency related to the conduct of meetings and the participation of the public therein.
SECOND MOTION: I move for adoption of an Ordinance amending Article II. Council; Division 2. Procedures for the conduct of business by repealing Rule 13 of Section 2-49. Rules of Order and Section 2-50. Procedural rules for public meetings and public hearings conducted by video conference and amending Section 2-45 to provide transparency related to the conduct of meetings and the participation of the public therein.
Recommendation
On February 13, 2026 the City Council Rules Committee recommended approval by a vote of 3-0. Staff recommends approval.
Presenter
Brian W. Head, City Attorney