People who want to address the Marshfield Common Council during public comment will need to attend in person again, under a policy change the council approved on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
The vote revised City Policy No. 1.120 and put back wording that requires in-person participation. That wording had been taken out in an earlier council action.
Members spent an extended stretch discussing access to local government. The talk covered remote comments by video, and whether written remarks should be read aloud during a meeting.
Council President Scott Koran backed returning to the in-person approach. Some members worried the change could make it harder for residents who struggle to attend, while supporters pointed to concerns about running the meetings and hearing from people outside Marshfield.
Alderperson Andrew Reigel raised the idea of asking speakers for identification, but the council did not add that as part of this change. The motion passed, with Alderperson Derek Wehrman voting no.
The new rule covers how a person takes part in the comment period itself. Residents can still follow council meetings through city broadcasts and streaming.
