Council’s Closing ‘Visitor Comment’ Portion to be President’s Prerogative

Ellwood City Council votes to leave closing “visitor comment” portion up to the Council President.

All members of council except for Councilman James Barry, voted to adopt an ordinance to amend the council ordinance already in place as it relates to organization, order of business, conducting a meeting, and committees. The focus was centered on the “visitor comment” portion, which comes right before the adjournment of a council meeting.

Visitors currently are able to speak before council’s formal motions and votes as well as immediately before adjournment after council completes business.

The “visitor comment” portion of monthly council meetings was resurrected by the urgency of newly appointed Council President George Celli and has been an option for visitors since January.

Barry said he would like the opportunity for visitors to speak at the end of the meeting to remain.

Numerous members of council said although they welcome feedback from the public, they don’t want the comment period to get out of hand and last for hours with repetitive comments.

Ellwood City resident Lenal Morello spoke at the end of the meeting stating taking this comment portion away sends the wrong message to the public. She said Council should not have the right to silence visitors from stating their concerns.