Alexandria City Council to Consider New Public Comment Rules, Prohibiting Laser Pointers and Drones
The Alexandria City Council is set to review a new set of rules governing public comment and conduct during its meetings. The proposed policy aims to regulate various aspects of audience participation, including the size and type of signs allowed, and explicitly prohibits items such as megaphones, bullhorns, whistles, laser pointers, selfie sticks, and drones inside the meeting room. Additionally, the policy outlines stricter guidelines for audience behavior, banning foot stomping, yelling, heckling, and similar disruptive actions. Individuals will generally be allotted three minutes to speak, while recognized civic associations and community groups will receive five minutes. Applicants in land-use cases could get up to 10 minutes, plus three for rebuttal. Speakers will be required to register, provide their name and address, identify their topic, and disclose any interests, including compensation. The presiding officer will have the authority to cut microphones or remove individuals who do not comply with...
