Proposed Changes to Public Comment Rules Spark Debate at Whittier City Council

WHITTIER — Proposed changes to Whittier’s public comment procedures drew attention Monday night as the City Council discussed reducing speaking times, removing speaker card requirements, and updating meeting policies to comply with new state accessibility laws.

The discussion came after a lengthy public comment session that featured more than two dozen in-person speakers and additional participants on Zoom, with residents weighing in on issues ranging from trees and development to infrastructure, housing affordability, and city spending priorities.

Councilmember Aida Macedo proposed reducing the standard public speaking time from three minutes to two minutes.

For decades — and historically dating back to Whittier’s founding— the standard speaking limit during public comment has generally remained at three minutes unless unusually large crowds required temporary reductions.

The proposal discussed Monday would make the two-minute limit the standard even during meetings with relatively few speakers.

Supporters of the change suggested the adjustment could help meetings move more efficiently and allow the council to manage increasingly long agendas.

The council also discussed eliminating the requirement that speakers fill out public comment cards before addressing the council, a move that could simplify participation and make it easier for residents to speak spontaneously during meetings.

Another major topic involved compliance with a newer California law aimed at improving accessibility during public meetings. Officials discussed how to ensure people with disabilities are able to participate in public comment without being required to physically stand in long lines while waiting to speak.

The discussion followed several public complaints Monday night regarding meeting procedures, including concerns about reduced speaking opportunities and public participation rules.

The public comment debate was significant enough that the council rearranged its agenda to move the item ahead of the city’s budget discussion.

The council also indicated the upcoming fiscal year budget discussion — which includes a projected $3.6 million deficit — will likely continue at a future special meeting to allow additional public review and feedback.

The proposed public comment changes had not been finalized as of the discussion captured during the meeting.