(Columbus) The Columbus City Council adopted a new ordinance at a recent meeting, but it did not come without discussion. It addresses new order of business for the council and a citizen’s right to speak. Alderwoman Trina Reid says the ordinance still is not quite what has been discussed in the past.
“So, for two-a at the, the last sentence of that has been corrected to ‘the public comment presented to the committee of the whole can be related to the agenda item or topic not presented on the agenda.’ That part is good,” says Reid. “But then still under section two, two C, we still have council or committee of the whole kind of mushed together.”
Reid says the comments that are abusive, off-topic or out of line should be separated between the council and committee of the whole. It was then proposed that the words “off topic” be eliminated, but Alderman Michael Lawson says it does not make sense.
“If we remove that, then where does it indicate what action can be taken if an item is off topic in the council meeting?” Lawson says.
Mayor Joe Hammer says that the ordinance should be passed as written.
“Leave off topic under subsection C in there because it does cover what we discussed,” says Hammer.
After some further dialogue, the ordinance was adopted as is.
