Good morning:
In Michigan, the handbook states:
“Limiting public comment – a public body may adopt a rule imposing individual time limits for members of the public addressing the public body. In order to carry out its responsibilities, the board can also
consider establishing rules allowing the chairperson to encourage groups to designate one or more individuals to speak on their behalf to avoid cumulative comments. But a rule limiting the period of public comment may not be applied in a manner that denies
a person the right to address the public body, such as by limiting all public comment to a half-hour period.”
Sincerely,
Brett Williams
Public Policy Analyst
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Phone:
517-284-7289
WilliamsB18@michigan.gov
Mailing address:
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
320 S. Walnut St.
Lansing, MI 48913
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From: xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com [mailto:xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com]
On Behalf Of Lawyer, Heidi (VBPD)
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2016 7:23 AM
To: xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com
Subject: DD Councils Public comment policy
Our current public comment policy for Council meetings does not have a time limit. We had a public comment letter at our last meeting that was 7 pages long. With a motion from a member, we stopped at 20 minutes
after 4 pages. We are looking at revising our policy to place a time limit. Most state agencies and our legislature have a 3 minute time limit. When we train Partners and YLF folks on public comment, we use the 3 minute time limit. We do have some concern
over 3 minutes for individuals who may have speech difficulties. Wondering what folks do in terms of public comment and do you have reasonable accommodation in your policy or do you just play it by ear at the actual meetings. We are trying to be fair to everyone,
not have our meeting filibustered but ensure that we get input. Thanks! H
Heidi Lawyer
Executive Director
Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD)
1100 Bank Street, 7th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219
804-786-9369
800-846-4464