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Commissioner Digatono recognized that there have been a lot of public comments at Council meetings in <br />the past year and when there have been speakers representing larger groups, they were still limited to four <br />minutes. <br />Commissioner Obert stated that if there is a large group, a few members could speak in four -minute <br />increments to communicate the message of the group. <br />Commissioner Grattan stated that perhaps someone speaking for a group could list the residents in that <br />group that they are representing which could then provide additional time for that speaker. <br />Commissioner Damiani referenced the requirements of the sign -in sheet to provide contact information <br />and asked how they would prove that non-residents are providing accurate information. <br />Commissioner Holmstrom stated that when attending Council meetings, he cross-checks the names and <br />addresses that are provided while the person speaks. <br />Commissioner Reynolds stated that some cities require sign -in to occur prior to the meeting, which allows <br />staff to check that the information provided is correct. <br />Commissioner Vanderpoel stated that under the current rules the City Council can vote to extend a <br />speaker's time and as a result he his ok with the current rules as written. He acknowledged the difficulty <br />in balancing people's right to be heard while also being reasonable to the elected officials and did not <br />have any issues with the current sign -in process and time limits. <br />Commissioner Reynolds concurred with the comments of Commissioner Vanderpoel. <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />That the City Council and Charter Commission review the question of amending the Rules of <br />Decorum to allow for additional time for a speaker representing a group to make their <br />presentation or if the current regulations under which the Mayor and Council can extend the <br />time are sufficient as written. <br />ATTACHMENTS <br />None <br />