Cleveland City Council allows public comment at regular meetings

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - If you feel your voice hasn’t been heard by the Cleveland City Council, that can all change.

On Monday, the City Council will allow for public comment during regular meetings for the first time in 90 years.

This change in policy, starting Oct. 4, was approved by the city council in August.

The new rules state “any person may be heard during that portion of a regular meeting set aside for public comment.”

The public comment section will come as the fifth item on the agenda.

Any resident can speak on any topic during the meetings.

Registration opens Wednesday prior to the meeting at 12 p.m. and closes at 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

All wishing to speak must register online, by paper form, or by phone.

The entire registration form must be completed, including stating the topic they are commenting on.

According to the council, speaking slots will be allotted by order of registration.

The first 10 registrations will get the opportunity to comment for up to three minutes.

No indecent or discriminatory language is allowed.

The topics at this council meeting will include American Rescue Plan Act funds and a discussion of various ordinances.

All meetings can be watched live here.

Copyright 2021 WOIO. All rights reserved.