It was set up to give the citizens of Aberdeen a greater voice in the democratic decision-making process.
But a public petitions committee – backed in local election manifestos from Labour, the SNP and Liberal Democrats – has debated just one issue in the past year.
The lack of interest in the cross-party group has now prompted senior councillors to consider relaxing the rules that govern what can be considered by members.
At present, a total of 250 signatures must be collected before an issue can be heard.
An application backed by 10 local businesses would also be considered.
Matters that are subject to ongoing court proceedings are ruled out, as are issues concerning individual councillors.
Decisions taken by the local authority over the previous 12 months are not currently eligible for discussion, while any allegation that could be considered defamatory must also be disregarded.
Partly as a result of the restrictions, five pre-arranged committee meetings were cancelled in the past year because there was nothing to discuss.
So far, just a single petition, from the Aberdeen Cycle Forum on calls for a Westhill Cycle Path, has met qualifying criteria.
The matter was taken up and later referred to the council’s now-defunct enterprise, strategic planning and infrastructure committee.
At least three proposals were discounted during the course of last year, as they did not meet regulations.
Convener Alan Donnelly, a Scottish Conservative, said: “It is a little disappointing, we would certainly like to see more burning issues that are out there brought forward.
“Perhaps we are all just living busy lives and there are not major problems, I also think the referendum took up a lot of people’s energy for several months this year.
“There were a few targeted at certain councillors that were refused, they did not meet the terms of reference.
“Obviously we hope more people will come forward, but it is maybe time to look at the number of signatures required, perhaps it could be lowered.”
A public petitions committee at the Scottish Parliament requires only one signature for delivery.
There is no age limit and the request can be written in any language. The only stipulation is that the issues must be of national interest, and something that the parliament can act upon.