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Public Comment Policy - adopted July 20,2023

PUBLIC COMMENT POLICY

The Commission welcomes the opportunity during the Public Comment portion of its Agenda to hear from members of the Public. To ensure the ability of the Commission to discuss its business and hold its meetings in an orderly and peaceable manner, while also providing the opportunity for public input on the business before it, the following rules and procedures are hereby adopted:

  1. During each regularly scheduled meeting, the Commission shall open the floor for Public Comment according to the Agenda.
  2. Speakers during Public Comment will begin their remarks by stating their first and last name, and town of residency for the record. All remarks will be addressed through the Chair of the meeting.
  3. Speakers during Public Comment must only address topics within the scope of jurisdiction of the Commission, and shall be out of order if said speaker addresses other issues.
  4. Individual speakers during Public Comment are limited to speak for a total of three (3) minutes per person. Large groups addressing the same topic are encouraged to consolidate their remarks and/ or select a spokesperson to speak during Public Comment.
  5. All speakers are encouraged to present their remarks in a respectful manner.
  6. Public comment is not a discussion, debate, or dialogue between individuals and the Commission. It is an individual's opportunity to express an opinion on topics within the jurisdiction of the Commission. Comments made during Public Comment do not reflect the views or opinions of the Commission.
  7. Members of the audience shall not interrupt or speak over recognized speakers or the discussion of the body. Individual speakers must also refrain from shouting while delivering remarks during Public Comment. Those who are warned and persist will be required to leave the meeting by the Chair.
  8. Physically disruptive or physically threatening conduct is forbidden.
  9. The Chair of the meeting will not interrupt speakers during Public Comment who have been recognized to speak, except that the Chair reserves the right to terminate speech which is not Constitutionally protected because it constitutes true threats and incitement to imminent lawless conduct.
  10. Verbal comments will also be curtailed by the Chair once they exceed the time limits outlined in paragraph 4 of this policy and to the extent, they address topics outside the jurisdiction of the Commission as required under paragraph 3.