SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- Most citizens testifying about public input at the Sioux Falls City Council meeting last night didn't want public input moved to the end of the meeting.
James Mitchell complained that it would be near his bedtime:
"I'm beginning to get a little worried," Mitchell said. "I'm not as sharp as I was some hours earlier. By 9:30 p.m., I'm more interested in having a night cap of apricot flavored brandy and a nice warm bed to rest on."
But supporters on council hope that moving public comment to the end would cut down on disruptive behavior.
City Councilor Marshall Selberg, sponsor of the ordinance to move public input to the end of the meeting, says they're not trying to take away anyone's right to speak.
"This ordinance does not shut down public input," Selberg said. "It does not shorten public input. You do not have to sign in to do public input. You don't have to do a hand stand to do public input. It is simply moving it from here to here on the schedule."
He also points out that the public can also engage the council through e-mail, texts, and phone calls.
Approximately 37 citizens testified on the move, with over 3/4ths in favor of keeping the input portion at the start of the meeting.
There will be a second reading of the proposed ordinance next Tuesday.
(Nick Hill, KELO.com News, contributed this report.)