Township of Scio, Michigan

PUBLIC COMMENT POLICY – SCIO TOWNSHIP

Township meetings are held for the purpose of conducting the business of local government. Most actions are centered on the discussion or debate of a prepared motion or resolution presented to the body for formal action. Members of the public are invited to address the Board of Trustees or other Township Commissions, Committees or Boards whenever an open session occurs in accordance with the guidelines stated below (the Chair may adjust these procedures at his/her discretion):

(1) At any meeting of the Board of Trustees or any Township Committee that meets in open session, the agenda of the meeting will include an item entitled “Call to the Public” that is established for the purpose of hearing general public comments.

(2) The public has the following opportunities to address the Board during a meeting:

• Comment during a “Call to the Public”; (intended to include discussion on items not on the Board agenda). The “Call to the Public” is intended to provide an opportunity to hear citizens. It is not intended to subject the Board to answering impromptu questions;

· In response to a scheduled Public Hearing; (all discussion is limited to the topic of the hearing);

· With limited comment on certain agenda items; (discussion allowed only through the discretion of the Chair).

(3) Individual speakers will be permitted to speak no more than five (5) minutes at any time. Three or more speakers may yield their individual time and pool the time to provide up to ten (10) minutes for a single group representative. Those individuals intending to yield their time must be present at the meeting and identify that they are yielding their time. Individuals who speak for a time less than their allotted time may not yield remaining time to another speaker.

(4) Subject to the following requirements, speakers may address the Board within their allotted time.

· All comments are to be directed through the Chair.

· Citizens will be expected to be civil in their language and presentation and not to engage in threats, slander or name-calling.

· No clapping, applauding, heckling or verbal outbursts either in support or opposition to a speaker or their remarks shall be tolerated.

· Personal attacks or comments that are or would tend to be considered profane or otherwise unacceptable will result in a speaker forfeiting any remaining time.

· Issues involving property negotiations, litigation status, current or former employees, employment status or attorney-client privilege items are not appropriate for comment.

(5) Board members should listen to comments with courtesy, and not interrupt or otherwise directly respond to speakers. At the close of a comment, Board members may direct questions or comments through the Chair. The Chair will give direction regarding any appropriate follow-up with a speaker or information about the topic or issue on which a person has provided comment.

(6) Written comments and other materials brought before the Board by speakers will be accepted during “Call to the Public” and will become available to the Board, however, no Board discussion or action will be taken at the current meeting. The Board may, at their sole discretion, consider referring the item to a department for a report a future meeting. .