Standing rules changes

A pastor speaking with her second-grader in tow, she argued the changes would exclude parents and caregivers from participating.

Argued the council should expand dialogue rather than retreat behind rules, calling the changes 'authoritarianism in action.'

An adaptive recreation worker who bikes to meetings, he said moving comments to the end creates accessibility barriers for seniors, disabled residents, and transit riders.

Argued public comment is a democratic safeguard, not a courtesy, and that limiting participation erodes trust.

Warned that non-agenda speakers at the end of meetings risk being cut off as councilors leave, and suggested separate sign-in for end-of-meeting speakers.

Urged the council not to divide public comment or police what relates to council business, framing the moment as one of growth rather than disorder.

A parent who said getting to meetings by 5:54 p.m. is hard with kids, and alleged a councilor called his employer over his online comments.

Invoked Hubert Humphrey's moral test of government and urged the council to vote no or table the resolution.

Said he too was targeted at work by a councilor, and urged amendments protecting accessible public comment.

Opposed to the changes but sympathetic after being treated rudely by a February crowd; suggested a trial period and civility measures.

Attempted to yield her time to Michael Bernstein, which the chair ruled out of order.