voices Give South Pasadena Residents Time to Speak Dear Editor: The South Pasadena City Commission is attempting to reduce the amount of time it allows the public to make comments during quasi-judicial hearings. Following a contentious public hearing for the Special Exception Use Permit for the expansion of the docks at Causeway Village on April 13, 2021, which stretched late into the night, the Commission was told by the city staff that it could change the amount of time allowed for public comment in those hearings by amending and revoking Resolution 95-28, which outlines procedures for conducting a quasi-judicial hearing like the one held on April 13. However, the public comment time limits are codified by ordinance (Chapter 14, Section 14-6 City of South Pasadena Codes). Only the procedures for allocating that time are ruled by Resolution 95-28.
Gulfport gathers
An ordinance cannot be changed by a resolution. In addition, there were several changes included in the amended resolution that would have severely restricted public comment at the “sole discretion” of the commission. Public objection and a legal opinion submitted to the city attorney resulted in the amended resolution being removed from the regular commission meeting agenda on July 1. Our concern now is that the city attorney stated that pulling the item from the agenda would allow the opportunity to fully explain the different land use processes and process for public comment. Also, the attorney intends to review additional sections of the Code of Ordinances to determine whether other amendments to code are appropriate. We believe there will be an attempt to change our city code to reduce speaking time and oppor-
tunities during quasi-judicial public hearings. The public comments already made to the commission is that citizens of South Pasadena do not want the time limits to speak to be reduced or to allow the commissioners to arbitrarily restrict public comment to allow them to feel more comfortable and take less of their time during hearings. This is a matter of our right to be heard. We are concerned that the commission will attempt to change the ordinance and reduce public input into quasi-judicial matters. If you are a resident of South Pasadena, please be aware that your right to speak may be abridged by the city commission. Visit the website mysouthpasadena.com to watch for upcoming commission meetings in which this issue may be raised again. – Marj Lorand, South Pasadena Voices continued on page 15
YOUR NEW FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN THE WATERFRONT DISTRICT
...where Gulfport gathers
AMAZING FOOD, CRAFT BEERS & MICROBREWS SAFE, SOCIALLY-DISTANCED DINING INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • VETERAN OWNED • EARTH AND DOG-FRIENDLY GULFPORT BREWERY + EATERY • 3007 BEACH BLVD • (727) 954-4109 • GULFPORT-BREWING.COM theGabber.com | July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021
3
