Manhattan Beach City Council removes time limit on public comment
In an effort to encourage community participation in government, the Manhattan Beach City Council voted on June 5 to scrap the 15-minute time limit on public comment at council meetings. “If you’re going to say, after 15 minutes, you can’t speak, that’s contrary to what a democracy is,” Mayor Wayne Powell said, adding that residents have told him they don’t attend meetings for fear that they won’t be able to speak due to time constraints. When Powell began his mayoral term in May, he’d said his first goal was to extend public participation. In a 4-1 vote, with Councilmember Richard Montgomery casting the dissenting vote, the council approved an unlimited public comment period. While members of the public appreciated the gesture, they hoped to get more feedback on the issues they raised at meetings. “What you will have is more input, people coming in expressing themselves on certain issues and then nothing happening because the Brown Act prohibits you from commenting,” said resident Esther Besbris. “Perhaps at every meeting you might agendize one of the items people have brought before you. That would validate their coming up before you.” Resident Gerry O’Connor concurred. “Let’s…
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