Board vote aligns township with other municipalities, though one supervisor dissents
Montgomery Township will now limit public comment to three minutes per speaker following a split vote Monday night, as the Board of Supervisors approved updates to its meeting participation guidelines.
Township Manager Carolyn McCreary said the revisions were relatively minor but necessary to reflect changes in state law and current practices, including the township’s shift to livestreaming meetings on YouTube.
Among the changes, residents are no longer required to provide their home address when speaking, instead being asked only to identify as a resident or business owner.
The most debated change centered on reducing public comment time from five minutes to three. Chair Tanya Bamford supported the move, calling it consistent with other municipalities and the local school district, and said it would help manage meetings when multiple speakers are waiting.
“You can say a lot in three minutes,” Bamford said, adding the board has historically been flexible when needed.
Supervisor Candyce Chimera opposed the change, arguing it could send the wrong message to residents.
“People that voted us all up here should have their five minutes if they want that,” she said.
Other board members expressed support for the shorter timeframe, noting it could encourage more concise comments while still allowing residents to be heard.
The board also discussed adding clearer communication about time limits in meeting agendas and summaries, as well as the potential use of a visible timer to help speakers manage their remarks.
The resolution ultimately passed 4-1, with Chimera casting the lone dissenting vote.
