We allow 5 minutes (and we do use a timer) for our statutory required public comment agenda items at the beginning and end of the meeting. However, last month the Executive Committee adopted this process:
Discussion and Approval on Public Comment Methodology
Council and Committee Chair, Jodi Thornley led a discussion on methods for allowing Public to comment during NGCDD meetings; including NGCDD Committee meetings. The comments methodology will have no impact on the Open Meeting Law required
Public Comment sections of the agenda. Discussion was held among the Committee members.
Robbin Dunn made a motion to amend all agendas to read that Public will be allowed 5 minutes of public comment before and after the meeting, after signing in and expressing their intent to speak at the beginning of the meeting, and Public Comment on each
agenda item will be limited to 1 minute on 2 occasions for each item. Renee Portnell seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
This worked very well at our Council meeting last week….it allows public comment but does not allow the public to consume our meeting. Evil people will show up and try to do that…..
Good luck!
Sherry Manning, Executive Director
Nevada Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
775-684-8619 Telephone
775-684-8621 Direct Line
775-684-8626 Fax
www.nevadaddcouncil.org Website
xxxxxx@dhhs.nv.gov Email
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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 4:23 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