People will get their say earlier in Gilbert council meetings

Procedural rules change for 'communications from citizens'

The Gilbert Town Council has moved public comment periods earlier in its meetings, approving a rule change Aug. 5 that will give residents a dedicated half hour to speak before most other business begins.

Under the new rules, the “communications from citizens” segment will take place directly after proclamations and presentations, rather than near the end of meetings as it has for the past year.

Speakers must fill out a comment card before the meeting starts, limit remarks to three minutes and cannot donate time to another speaker.

Priority will be given to town residents, business owners and property owners, and any overflow beyond 30 minutes will be heard later in the meeting.

Councilmember Chuck Bongiovanni, who pushed for