A Saint John councillor wants the city to shorten the amount of time speakers have at public hearings.
The motion by Coun. Barry Ogden was brought before council during Monday’s regular meeting.
“Currently, citizens wishing to address Common Council at public hearings for rezoning applications are given up to 10 minutes to express their opinions,” reads the report.
“While this duration provides time for detailed commentary, it has led to extended meetings that can delay the decision-making process, especially when multiple speakers are present.”
The proposal follows recent lengthy public hearings that pushed Saint John council meetings late into the evening.
A public hearing on a proposed 500-space parking lot in Wolastoq Park had to be spread over two meetings due to time restrictions.
“Although this proposal would reduce the length of time each speaker is given, it would not place any limits on the number of speakers who can participate in the hearing,” said Ogden’s proposal.
Ogden said it would also encourage “concise and focused commentary” while allowing more people to share their views with council.
