(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved a pair of changes to meeting participation guidelines approved in 2021.

The Commission will allow public comment on agenda items without having to sign up in advance. Those wanting to comment will be asked to state their name and address.

The city plans to post the agenda in advance on the city's website and Facebook page.

Those wanting to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting on non-agenda items will still be required to sign-up by the Wednesday before the meeting. However, they will now be able to speak for up to 5 minutes instead of 3 minutes.

Earlier during the public comment portion of Monday's meeting, Jim Ellis, who recently moved to Hiawatha from California where he serve on a city council and as mayor , shared his experiences from 14 years of public service. Ellis said allowing public comment is critical to the process, and it actually strengthens the community and commission.