Montebello : 5-Minute Limit Imposed on Speakers to Council

The Montebello City Council, following a suggestion by one council member during a heated round of testimony on three controversial eminent domain ballot measures last month, has imposed a five-minute limit for speakers who wish to address the council on any subject.

In a 4-1 vote Monday night, the council adopted a new set of guidelines that also instructs speakers to direct comments to the council, not specific members. In addition, the mayor has the right to terminate any testimony that is considered “not of interest to the public.”

Councilman Edward Pizzorno, who has been at odds with other council members over the failed eminent domain referendum on May 2, voted against the new speakers’ guidelines.

Unlike most cities, the Montebello council has never imposed time limits for speakers, who are allowed to voice their opinions on any subject that concerns the city, Montebello spokeswoman Joan Caterino said.

Councilman Arnold Glasman raised the issue of time limits during the council’s April 24 meeting when a number of anti-eminent domain speakers made highly critical speeches that lasted as long as 15 minutes. He also complained that much of what was being said was unduly repetitious.