Title
AN ORDINANCE CODIFYING THE RIGHT OF PUBLIC COMMENT AT ANY BOARD OR COMMISSION MEETING AND ESTABLISHING RULES FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.
Brief Description: The City of Hudson is interested in defining an ordinance which requires boards/commissions to accept a comment from the public (provided the topic is relevant to the board), and also provide them with the tools to reject comments which are not relevant to them.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
The City of Hudson has relied on precedent and tradition to facilitate public comments at board or commission meetings. It is in the best interest of the City of Hudson and its residents to facilitate feedback and discussion in an orderly fashion to efficiently and fairly conduct its business. To that end, it is also necessary to provide reasonable limitations to public comment during these meetings. The following rules shall apply:
* Comments from the public shall be taken by all boards and commissions, before any new or old business is conducted, on any topic under the board or commissions purview.
* Comments shall be directed at the chair. No comment shall be directed at a specific member or staff. The chair reserves the right to decline a comment if the topic is not relevant to the board or commission.
* No person shall address the board or commission until recognized by the chair. For the consideration of all in attendance, speakers will be asked to limit their comments to five minutes unless an extension is granted by the chair.
* Orderly and respectful behavior shall be exhibited at all times. A person exhibiting disorderly behavior may be asked by the chair to be seated and refrain from further comment, or may be removed from the meeting.
Timing Considerations
No emergency clause is requested.
Fiscal Impact
None
Recommendation
Suggested Action
That the Codified Ordinances of the City of Hudson be hereby amended and provide as set forth in the document attached as Exhibit "A," w...
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