Santa Cruz County Board Revamps Public Comment Rules for Clarity

In a move aimed at enhancing the structure of its public meetings, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has approved changes to its public comment procedures. This adjustment is intended to address the increasing duration of meetings, which have seen significant growth in length over recent years. The board’s decision was made during a meeting on September 9, 2023, where members also discussed rising concerns about the misuse of nitrous oxide among local youth.

The newly adopted rules will take effect on September 30, 2023. Under these guidelines, the public is encouraged to share general comments at the beginning of meetings, while comments regarding specific agenda items will be reserved for those items’ discussion periods. The chair of the meeting retains discretion to adjust these rules as necessary, enabling flexibility based on meeting flow and public engagement.

Supervisor Manu Koenig expressed concerns about the unpredictability of meeting schedules, noting, “It definitely has become a little bit problematic, in just that the meeting becomes so unpredictable in terms of when we’re actually going to hear items.” The board’s meetings typically begin at 9 a.m. and are divided into two segments: the consent agenda, where numerous items are voted on collectively, and the regular agenda, which allows for longer discussions on specific topics.

The board has seen an increase in public engagement since changes were made in 2018, but this has also contributed to lengthier meetings. For instance, during a recent meeting on April 29, 2023, over 70 individuals spoke for nearly four hours before the first agenda item was addressed. Of the 17 meetings held this year, 11 have featured public comment periods exceeding one hour.

Supervisor Justin Cummings opposed the new rules, arguing they could limit public access. He stated, “When people have to go to work and they’re not able to attend the full meeting, they can at least come in and speak to the regular agenda item at the beginning of the meeting.” Supporters of the changes, including Vice Chair Monica Martinez, argued that the new structure would create clarity and encourage public participation.

In addition to the public comment adjustments, the board approved an ordinance aimed at addressing the growing concern over nitrous oxide misuse among youth. This ordinance prohibits the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide for recreational use in unincorporated areas of the county. Supervisor Kim De Serpa, who sponsored the measure, emphasized the importance of protecting the community, stating, “This ordinance is about protecting our community — especially our young people — from the very real dangers associated with nitrous oxide misuse.”

The ordinance allows for nitrous oxide sales for legitimate medical, industrial, culinary, or automotive purposes, but over-the-counter sales for recreational use will face penalties that could include fines or jail time. If the board approves the final reading of the ordinance on September 30, 2023, it will align Santa Cruz with other California counties, such as Orange and San Mateo, that have already enacted similar restrictions.

These changes reflect the board’s commitment to balancing the need for public input with the practicality of managing meeting time effectively. As the new rules are implemented, the board aims to foster a more organized discussion environment while addressing critical community safety issues.