Public comments switch OK’d

By Jim Tortolano/Orange County Tribune

In response to meetings that sometimes run well past midnight, the Westminster City Council voted 3-2 on Wednesday night in favor of an ordinance that would move public comments on non-agenda topics toward the end of the meeting, while allowing comments on agenda items to remain toward the beginning. 

In favor were Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen, Vice Mayor Namquan Nguyen and Councilmember Amy Phan West. Opposed were Councilmembers Carlos Manzo and Kimberly Ho.

“There is no intention to silence anyone,” said the mayor, who brought forth the proposal. “We are here, you are here for the people’s business,” he said, arguing that the arrangement would allow for more effective meetings of the council.

Manzo suggested an alternative which would extend the time allowed for public comments on agenda items from three to five minutes, and allow only three minutes for non-agenda items.

He said he understood the logic behind the mayor’s proposal, but said, “It would do more harm than good.”

His substitute motion was defeated 3-2 (Manzo and Ho in the minority), and the main motion prevailed 3-2. The ordinance will come back to the next council meeting on Sept. 13 for second and final reading and – if approved then – become effective 30 days later.

The regular council scheduled for Aug. 23 has been cancelled.