A public-comment period at the April 3 Boulder City Council meeting included multiple, partly overlapping themes — public-safety complaints, international human-rights protests and sharply worded accusations directed at council members — and repeated disruptions that led the presiding officer to recess and clear chambers.

The meeting opened with staff reading the city’s public participation and decorum rules. Alicia (city staff) read posted rules that limit signs, require speakers to use their common names and prohibit obscenity and threats; the rules also say in-person participants should refrain from applause and audible support except during declarations.

After several speakers used graphic imagery while discussing overseas conflicts and others raised repeated character-based accusations of council members, the meeting experienced interruptions. City staff later told council the city issued two temporary suspensions after the previous meeting because two people had repeatedly violated rules and caused council to recess. Staff said the suspensions were administrative, not content-based.

“It is not content of speech that is prohibited,” a staff member told council as part of an explanation of the suspensions and the building rules (transcript). Staff said the suspensions temporarily prohibited those community members from entering the building but allowed virtual participation and described appeal rights available to the suspended individuals.

Council also sought and received a staff clarification about the city’s sign rule. Teresa (city staff) said the rule allows one sign per person no larger than 11 by 17 inches and held no higher than the person’s face; she said the rule applies specifically to signs and flags and not to garments such as scarves.

The meeting was recessed and chambers cleared after repeated disruptions; the mayor later announced the meeting resumed in session after the interruptions were addressed.

Ending: The city reiterated its decorum rules and warned that continued disruptions could again force recess and clearing of chambers. Staff advised community members of the suspension process and of options for virtual testimony if access to the building is temporarily restricted.