Edinburg City Council to Vote on New Rules for Public Participation at Meetings At Tomorrow’s Meeting

Staff Report

EDINBURG, TX — The Edinburg City Council is set to consider a proposed ordinance that would formally establish new rules of decorum and public participation during council meetings, including stricter time limits and clearer guidelines for speaker conduct.

In posting its agenda and an explanation of the changes, the agenda did not indicate why the changes were needed.

The ordinance, which is scheduled for a vote during the May 6 regular meeting, aims to ensure order and civility during public meetings conducted under the Texas Open Meetings Act. The proposal includes the addition of Section 31.03 to the city’s Code of Ordinances, titled “Rules of Decorum.”

Under the proposed rules, individuals wishing to speak during meetings must submit a Public Participation Form to the City Secretary before the meeting begins. Those speaking on a listed agenda item would be limited to two minutes, or four minutes if using a translator. Open Forum speakers would be allotted three minutes, with a total of 30 minutes set aside per meeting. If more than 10 people wish to speak during the forum, only the first 10 would be recognized unless a group designates a single representative.

The ordinance also grants the presiding officer authority to revoke speaking privileges or remove individuals who disrupt proceedings. Disruptive behaviors include exceeding time limits, using abusive language, or inciting disorder. Only one warning would be issued before removal. Removed individuals would be barred from re-entering the meeting or addressing the council again during that session.

The mayor would serve as presiding officer, or in their absence, the mayor pro tem or another councilmember chosen by a quorum. The Edinburg police chief or a designated officer would serve as sergeant-at-arms to enforce decorum rules if needed.

If approved, the ordinance would take effect immediately and remain in force until amended or repealed by the council.

Source — City of Edinburg.