By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – The Normal Town Council will consider changes to the town’s public comment policy Monday night, following a directive at their last meeting from Mayor Chris Koos.
The Illinois Attorney General’s office has also recommended the town change its public comment policies, considering them to be restictive. The town sought the AG’s advice last fall.
City Manager Mark Peterson said a few changes are being proposed. He explained the most notable is probably the fact they’re looking to now allow residents to speak more than every 45 days.
“An individual could, theoretically, speak at every meeting if they chose to do that,” said Peterson. “We’re also increasing the amount of time allotted to each speaker from two minutes to three minutes.”
Peterson added the proposal also would extend the total time of public comment allowed from 10 minutes to 20. He noted there are more ways to contact the town council than just public comment.
“Most people choose to use email. And there’s a link on our website, you can hit one button and email all the members of the council as well as myself,” said Peterson. “Certainly, phone calls, letters, there’s all sorts of opportunities – social media.”
He said anyone making a comment will still have to make sure their remarks are related to something on the council’s agenda that night.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
