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.

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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