San Angelo City Council Revises Public Comment Policy, Keeps Early Input Slot

SAN ANGELO, TX – The San Angelo City Council has approved amendments to the public comments section of its meetings, with one notable exception. 

The decision, made during the council’s meeting on July 16, 2024, included several adjustments aimed at enhancing the efficiency of meetings.

According to a report from City Clerk Heather Stastny, the resolution’s purpose is to ensure that city business is conducted efficiently while still accommodating public input. 

“The proposed changes balance that purpose with the desire and obligation of the Council to accept public comment,” Stastny stated in her report to Mayor Brenda Gunter and the City Council.

Under the new rules, public comments will continue to be allowed during all regular City Council and City board meetings. However, no public comment will be taken at special meetings or workshops where no action is to be taken. 

Additionally, members of the public wishing to speak must sign in with the City Clerk or Board Secretary before the meeting starts and indicate the item they wish to address. Comments will be limited to three minutes, and speakers must introduce themselves with their first and last name and provide their home address or single member district number.

One proposed change that was not accepted would have moved the public comments section to the end of the meeting. This suggestion faced opposition from several council members, including District 6 Councilmember Larry Miller, District 3 Councilmember Harry Thomas, and District 4 Councilmember Lucy Gonzales. 

They argued that this change could discourage public participation by requiring citizens to wait through the entire meeting to speak.

Ultimately, the City Council approved all proposed amendments except for moving the public comments section to the end. 

Instead, an announcement section will be incorporated near the beginning of the agenda, as suggested by Mayor Gunter. The final motion, which passed 7-0, ensures that public comments remain near the start of meetings.

Several citizens expressed concern during the meeting that the changes might impinge on their First Amendment rights. 

However, the City Council emphasized that the adjustments are intended to streamline the process and ensure that city business is handled effectively.

The accepted changes are set to take effect on Oct. 1, 2024.