Title
Ordinance to Amend and Re-Enact Chapter 2, Division 2 of the Code of the City of Hampton Entitled “Meetings” by Amending Sec. 2-43 Pertaining to Citizen Comment at Public Comment Periods
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
During its retreat held July 16, 2014, City Council discussed how regular meetings and work sessions could be used to make the transaction of city business more efficient.
As a result of these discussions, Council agreed, among other things, to move the public comment period to the end of the evening business meetings. The public would have an opportunity to speak on matters of public concern twice a month.
At Council’s retreat held on August 3, 2016, Council discussed how to best address the public comment period since there were advocates and strong arguments for having public comment before and/or after the regular business meeting. By motion duly made and seconded on August 10, 2016, Council implemented a process to move the public comment period after the public hearings but before any other regular business not requiring a public hearing. The motion allowed for this temporary move for six months.
The six month trial period expires February 10, 2017, and Council has determined that leaving the public comment period as proposed in the motion on August 10, 2016, strikes a balance between those who want the public comment period earlier in the agenda and those who want it later.
Discussion:
The Ordinance amendment reflects Council’s proposal.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve the Ordinance.
Body
DIVISION 2. MEETINGS
· Sec. 2-43. - Order of business-Regular meetings.
At every regular meeting of the council, the order of business shall be as follows:
(1) Call of the roll.
(2) Invocation/Pledge of allegiance.
(3) Consent agenda for the meeting, as prepared by the clerk of the council and to include consideration of the minutes of the previous meeting, ordinances believed to be routine and noncontroversial, and any other items beli...
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