public comment Recognizing a member of the public and limiting their time to speak

[Guest Kat]

This is in regards to Board of Education 

One meeting a month we allow public comment with a five minute limit. Occasionally, at our more casual Committee of the Whole meetings, any member may "recognize"  someone from the public to speak. Is there any rule that disallows us from adjusting the time (5 vs 3) limit? Nothing in our bylaws address the issue. 

[Joshua Katz]

Well, if there's nothing in your bylaws about it, where does the current 5 minute rule come from?

[Richard Brown]

Guest Kat, how was the five-minute rule set and where does it appear?

[Guest Kat]

Thank you for your responses.  I haven't been able to find the five minute rule anywhere; it just seems like "tradition".  My thought is it was randomly assigned.

 

[Joshua Katz]

Then I don't see any obstacles to adopting a special rule of order limiting speeches to 3 minutes.