Opn. No.

Gregory J. Poland, Esq. Informal Opinion Corporation Counsel No. 2004-9 City of Binghamton City Hall Government Plaza Binghamton, New York 13901

Dear Mr. Poland:

You have asked whether a proposed amendment to the City Charter of the City of Binghamton relating to public comment at City Council meetings is subject to the referendum requirement of section 23 of the Municipal Home Rule Law. The proposed charter amendment would require the City Council to grant every individual who wished to speak at one of its meetings at least five minutes to do so prior to the City Council's consideration of its…