At the March 7 Northampton Borough Council meeting, a resident expressed his concerns regarding when the public is able to address council. Currently, members of the public are permitted to speak on topics only at the start of the meetings.

Council will review options. One possible solution is to allow the public to voice their input when each specific matter on the agenda is addressed - but before a vote is taken. Another possibility is to allow residents time to speak just before the end of the meeting.

Council members Robert McHale, Judy Kutzler and Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. spoke in favor of a more liberal policy allowing residents more opportunities to address council.

McHale pointed out there are municipal governments in the area that open up the meetings for public comment, in addition to the opening period. It was mentioned that Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners asks the audience for comments before a vote is taken on each agenda item. Kutzler and Lopsonzski Sr. voiced strong support for such a system.

Many municipal meetings restrict comments to those only by residents unless an individual, business representative or attorney from outside the community has an issue, concern or input on an agenda item involving the person, business or counsel.

There was no comment from other members of the eight-member borough legislative body, nor from council President Anthony Lopsonzski Jr.