RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING RULES & PROCEDURES FOR THE PUBLIC COMMENT SESSION OF REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS

WHEREAS, the town board (Board) is the governing body of Homer Township (Township) charged by law with certain powers and duties to conduct the affairs of the Township;

WHEREAS, the Board determines the adoption of rules and procedures for the public comment session of regular board meetings will enhance the effectiveness of its meetings and establish uniform procedures for the Board in how it conducts its business and for those wishing to attend the proceedings; and

WHEREAS, this policy takes into consideration the particular circumstances of the Township, which include, but are not limited to, the following: the Township is rural in nature; does not employ any administrative personnel; does not maintain regular office hours; has limited office facilities; holds only one regular township board meeting a month; desires to hear comments from residents; desires orderly and efficient meetings.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the town board of

Homer Township, Winona County, Minnesota hereby adopts the following Rules & Procedures for the Public Comment Session of Regular Board Meetings:

1. Scope. The procedures established in this Rules & Procedures for the Public Comment Session of Regular Board Meetings shall apply to the regular board meetings of the Board and, to the extent practicable, special Board meetings and Board hearings. This policy shall not apply to annual town meetings, special town meetings, closed meetings, on-site inspections, or any committee or subcommittee meetings. For the purposes of this policy, the term “meeting” shall be read as including, to the extent practicable, hearings conducted by the Board.

2. Public Comment Time. Public comment time will be available at the time designated in the meeting agenda. Public participation at such other times during the meeting is not allowed except at the discretion of the presiding officer to address specific issues before the Board.

2.1. Anyone requesting public comment time shall do so on the sign in sheet available the day of each meeting. Sign in sheet will be available approximately fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of the meeting. Individuals may only request public comment time for themselves not on behalf of others. Speakers will be recognized in the order they appear on the sign in sheet. 

2.2. Unless further time is granted by a vote of the Board, remarks from the public shall be limited to no more than ten (10) minutes. Each speaker is allowed two (2) minutes. 

2.3. Each speaker shall only speak once per public comment time. Speakers may not reserve or yield time to other speakers.

2.4. As there is limited public comment time, redundant and/or repetitive public comments will be stopped and the next speaker recognized. Groups shall select a representative to speak during public comment time.

2.5. Commenters shall confine their remarks to a specific matter of Township business. Remarks shall be comment only. Speakers shall not engage in debate with board members or other members of the public.

2.6. Public comment time is reserved for Homer Township Residents.

3. Rules of Decorum. Everyone who attends a meeting shall at all times conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall not: speak until recognized by the presiding officer; engage in disorderly conduct; disrupt the proceedings; speak longer than the allotted time; interrupt recognized speakers; speak to matters beyond the scope of Board business; use profane language; or engage in any other activity which disturbs the peace and good order of the meeting. 

4. Procedures for Non-Compliant Speakers/Attendees. Any person who persists in disturbing the meeting after having received a warning from the presiding officer may be asked to leave the meeting. If the person does not leave, the presiding officer or other town officer may contact law enforcement to have the person removed from the meeting.

5. There shall be a copy of these Rules and Procedures available at all regular Township Board meetings.