Phoenix City Council prioritizes public comments

PHOENIX (AP) - Members of the Phoenix City Council have voted to make hearing comments from the public the first item at regular meetings.

The Arizona Republic reports (https://bit.ly/1pdtoiU) the council is changing the agenda and moving what’s known as the “citizen comment session” to the beginning of council meetings.

Council members voted Feb. 5 to hear comments 15 minutes prior to a meeting.

The public-comment portion was previously put off until the council had officially adjourned.

The change stems from a petition filed by a group of residents who say deferring comments until the end showed their input garnered little respect.

Councilmembers, however, will not be required to show up early to hear any comments.

Some councilmembers say they are concerned having the comment period earlier could delay the meeting agenda.

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Information from: The Arizona Republic, https://www.azcentral.com