GIG HARBOR — The city of Gig Harbor voted Monday to not allow virtual public comments until further notice.
During public meetings in other Pierce County cities, anonymous users are making virtual comments that include hate speech.
“The hate speech occurring at public meetings is not happening in the comment section of Zoom, but rather out loud during the public comment portions of meetings,” Katrina Knutson, Gig Harbor’s city administrator, told the Gateway Friday. “The speakers are anonymous, no picture, and use their three minutes to make horrible speeches that constitute hate speech.”
The city of Lakewood had a group of anonymous speakers make such comments on Dec. 4, and similar situations occurred Nov. 28 at a Buckley City Council meeting and a Tacoma City Council meeting, The News Tribune reported.
Knutson said, although this has not happened at any Gig Harbor public meetings, the council decided to take precautions.
At the Dec. 11 Gig Harbor City Council meeting, Council member Mary Barber spoke about the incidents happening in the area, and made a surprise motion for the new rule.
“I truly value public comment, but want to make sure public comment is a benefit to the city and serves the public good,” Barber said at the meeting.
The council passed the new rule in a 5-1 vote. Council member Jeni Woock voted against the new rule.
The new rule is temporary until the council can find a more permanent solution. Knutson said the council will review its options and they expect to be in their “new normal” in February.
“Many cities in Washington State have experienced a new disturbing trend where anonymous Zoom attendees use the platform and public comment period to make antisemitic, sexually explicit, and racist remarks,” the city said in a Facebook post Dec. 13 about the new rule. “… While council strongly recognizes public comment as a valuable forum for civic engagement and encourages residents to voice their opinions and concerns, it must occur in a safe environment.”
How to comment at Gig Harbor council meetings
All comments will need to be made in-person at public meetings, or by handing a statement to the city clerk at the meeting.
If residents cannot attend a meeting in person, they can send in a written comment to city staff in advance at mayorandcouncil@gigharborwa.gov.
“Written comments will be distributed to all city council members and they will consider and weigh the testimony provided,” the city’s Facebook post said.
Exceptions to the new rule will be made “in the instances of noticed formal public hearings,” according to the post.
The next Gig Harbor City Council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 8.
For more information, the city of Gig Harbor suggested residents read an article by the Washington State Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC). The article describes similar occasions where this has happened around the country, and what cities are doing about it — including limiting comments.
“City staff will provide council with policy alternatives for its consideration to ensure that public comment periods are compliant with applicable laws and remain a safe and welcoming space for our residents,” the city’s Facebook post said.
Two options the MRSC suggests in its article are to:
- “Limit public comment to items on the agenda,” in which case city staff could “mute or disconnect a speaker that is not speaking to a matter of city concern.”
- “Take steps to verify the identity of speakers commenting remotely.”
The Gateway asked Knutson what city staff are considering.
Knuston said the city does not intend to limit all remote public comment permanently, and they are currently reviewing a blend of limiting public comment to items on the agenda and taking steps to verify the identity of speakers commenting remotely.
“Remote commenting is a valuable avenue for the City Council to hear from residents, and has become used widely since the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. “Remote commenting allows folks who cannot make the meeting in-person due to work, childcare, disability, or other reasons to interact with their elected officials, which is very valuable.”
The options will be considered at an upcoming study session meeting in January, Mayor Tracie Markley told the audience of the Dec. 11 council meeting after the council voted on the new rule.
