CLEVELAND — Cleveland City Council said on Friday it will vote on Wednesday to allow public comments at future meetings for the first time in 90 years.
The vote will consider changing two rules in order to allow public comments. If approved, the public will be allowed to comment at Cleveland City Council meetings in September.
Under the rules, speakers would need to register in advance of Monday meetings. For regular Monday at 7 p.m. meetings, registration will begin the previous Wednesday at noon and would end at 2 p.m. the day of the meeting.
Speaking slots would be allotted by registration order and speaking spots would be limited to 10 commenters. Each speaker will be allotted three minutes to speak.
Speakers would be allowed to speak on any item of city business, and it does not have to be an agenda item, Cleveland City Council said.
Cleveland City Council added that it would adopt decorum rules that would include not using indecent or discriminatory language; not engaging in electioneering; not endorsing or promoting any product or service, among other conduct.
“I’m pleased that as Council President I’ve brought public comment to the meetings after nearly 90 years and for the first time under the Mayor-Council form of government; so nearly 207 years since the City was incorporated,” said Council President Kevin Kelley, who is also a candidate for mayor.
