Got something to say to Philadelphia City Council? As long as it’s about a matter currently under Council consideration, the state Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that relegating public comment to only committee meetings violates the Sunshine Act.
“There simply is no authorization in the Act, actual or fairly implied, for delegation of the obligation to entertain public comment to some body other than a board or council,” reads the opinion. Chief Justice Ronald Castille dissented, saying this could lead to disruptions at Council meetings.
The Homeowner’s Association of Philadelphia challenged Council’s aversion to allowing public comment at its regular meetings.
