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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL TCAAP WORK SESSION-OCTOBER 28, 2009 14 <br /> C. Process and Rules for Meeting Order (continued) <br /> Councilmember Grant cautioned the Council from using the Council Comments <br /> time as a podium as it becomes difficult to comment on votes previously discusseu <br /> in the meeting. <br /> Mayor Harpstead indicated he did make a public comment and was allowed to as <br /> a resident of Arden Hills. He stated that his comments were not comfortable or <br /> well received by some on the Council, but that he was not abusing his position by <br /> offering his comments. <br /> Councilmember McClung suggested the Council have comments limited to three <br /> minutes, with flexibility about cutting them off at five minutes. <br /> Mayor Harpstead stated he felt there was a certain amount of discretion afforded <br /> to him as the chair of the meeting. He indicated he may not do it right all the time <br /> and that he did not try to cut people off or offend those speaking to the Council. <br /> Councilmember Grant explained public comment has always been taken the same <br /> way, limiting it to three minutes. The consistency of those speaking cannot be <br /> maintained. He noted that the Council does have the ability to change the rule on <br /> public comment. <br /> Councilmember Holmes stated the Council could suggest the public wrap up their <br /> comments if running over on time. <br /> Councilmember McClung indicated this was a difficult issue as sometimes the <br /> Council was asking questions, which may draw out some items longer than three <br /> minutes. He suggested a vote be taken if additional time was needed to discuss an <br /> item and that the rules be suspended on a case by case basis. <br /> Mayor Harpstead stated this would then allow the Council to suspend the rules <br /> and that it would not be just up to him. He indicated he would use the phrasing <br /> suggested, to encourage people to wrap up their comments. <br /> Councilmember Holden questioned what the guidelines would be for future <br /> meetings. <br /> Mayor Harpstead suggested this be brought to a future meeting for a vote and be <br /> discussed with Attorney Filla to see if there were any first amendment concerns. <br />