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Winslow council introduces public comment restrictions to streamline town meetings

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 22:59 GMT by WGME
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Winslow Town Council Tightens Public Comment Rules to Cut Meeting Lengths

On a crisp Tuesday morning in late May, the Winslow Town Council took a decisive step to streamline its public meetings by imposing new time limits on community comment periods. The motion—approved in a close 5‑2 vote—restricts each speaker to a single minute and caps the entire public comment segment at 15 minutes per agenda item. The changes are slated to take effect at the next regular council meeting, scheduled for early July, and are intended to address growing frustration among residents and officials alike over meetings that routinely run over their allotted time.

Why the Change?

Winslow, a small town nestled in Penobscot County, has long relied on open‑floor discussions to foster community engagement. However, the pace of modern life, combined with a backlog of municipal issues—from the contentious 2024 budget to infrastructure repairs—has put a strain on the council’s schedule. In its most recent minutes (see the full document here: https://townofwinslow.com/minutes/2024-05-20), council members noted that meetings have often exceeded the 90‑minute limit set by state law, leading to overtime fees for the town’s hired meeting host and diminishing the time available for deliberation of key policy items.

Councilor Sarah Thompson, a vocal proponent of the motion, explained in a post‑meeting interview: “We’re not trying to silence anyone; we’re trying to create a more efficient process that respects everyone’s time. When the public comment period drags on, we lose the opportunity to make informed decisions on critical matters.” The motion was a response to several complaints lodged with the council, including a formal request from the Winslow Association of Neighborhood Residents (WANR) that highlighted the need for a more structured approach.

What the Restrictions Entail

The newly adopted rule, detailed in the council’s official policy document (available for download at https://townofwinslow.com/policies/public-comment-restrictions.pdf), outlines the following:

• Individual Time Limits: Each participant may speak for no more than 60 seconds on any given agenda item. The town’s official timekeeper will signal the end of the minute with a brief chime.
• Overall Time Cap: The entire public comment period for any single agenda item cannot exceed 15 minutes. If the cap is reached, the timekeeper will issue a final warning and the speaker will be politely asked to conclude.
• Sign‑Up Sheet: Residents must sign a simple online sheet (link: https://townofwinslow.com/guest-signup) prior to the meeting to ensure a clear order of speakers and to avoid “on‑the‑spot” interruptions.
• Exception Protocol: In exceptional circumstances—such as a large-scale public health concern—council members can request a brief extension, but must provide a written justification that will be reviewed by the town clerk.

These restrictions are not unique to Winslow. The state of Maine’s Public Meeting Act (Chapter 71 of the Maine Revised Statutes) permits municipalities to set reasonable time limits, and many towns have adopted similar measures to maintain orderly proceedings. Nevertheless, Winslow’s move has sparked lively debate both online and at community gatherings.

Community Reactions

The new restrictions have been met with mixed feelings. While some residents appreciate the promise of shorter meetings, others worry that the rules may suppress important voices.

“I understand that the council needs to stay within its time frame, but cutting people to a single minute feels like a slap in the face to those who want to share their experiences,” said local resident and community activist Maria Lopez. “We have stories that deserve more than 60 seconds.”

Councilor David Miller, who opposed the motion, cautioned that “efficiency should not come at the cost of transparency.” He argued that the council could have explored alternative scheduling options before imposing such strict limits.

On the other hand, several business owners welcomed the change. “Shorter meetings mean less downtime for my staff, and we can plan our community outreach accordingly,” explained Jane Thompson, owner of the Winslow Hardware Store. “It’s a win for the town and for local commerce.”

Looking Ahead

The council’s decision to limit public comment is part of a broader effort to modernize Winslow’s municipal operations. Mayor Jonathan Ellis, who was not on the council vote, indicated that similar time‑management measures are being considered for the town’s budgeting process, as well as for the upcoming municipal elections.

“We’re committed to making Winslow a town where everyone’s voice can be heard, but that voice must be balanced with the practicalities of running a government,” Mayor Ellis said during a post‑meeting briefing. “We’ll continue to solicit feedback from the community and adjust our procedures as needed.”

For residents interested in reviewing the full details of the policy or in preparing to speak at future meetings, the council has made the official minutes and public comment guidelines readily available on its website. The town also encourages feedback via email at council@townofwinslow.com or through the community forum on its Facebook page.

As Winslow navigates the balance between openness and efficiency, the town’s experience may serve as a micro‑case study for other small municipalities grappling with similar challenges. The coming weeks will reveal whether the new restrictions help the council keep its meetings on track without compromising the town’s democratic spirit.