POLICY 2- PUBLIC COMMENT AT MEETINGS

Any person may address the Board during its Public Comment period. Each presentation will be limited to three minutes and individuals may speak only once during Public Comment. A maximum of fifteen minutes will be set aside for this period. If the period runs beyond fifteen minutes, the Board may, at its discretion, allow time at the end of the meeting for additional public comment. All comments must be directed to an item NOT listed on today's agenda and must be within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board. Preference will be given to individuals who did not speak at the previous Board meeting. All speakers must address the entire Board and will not be permitted to engage in dialogue. Speakers are requested to sign the sheet designated for that purpose so that their names may accurately be reflected in the minutes of the meeting.

Regular Agenda Items: Members of the public may speak on any item on the agenda. Each presentation will be limited to three minutes. The maximum time devoted to public input on any item will be determined by the Chair.

The SEQUENCE of input on regular agenda items shall be as follows: The presenter (staff, Board, or committee member) makes a report, presenting the item along with any recommendation. Board members ask questions (if any) of the presenter for clarification of the issue or recommendation. The Chair invites public input. The Chair recognizes each speaker in turn, with a view to eliciting balanced comments reflecting all sides of an issue. The usual speaking time is three minutes, but the Chair has the discretion to limit total public input time and, to ensure fairness if time is short, may limit each individual speaker's time to allow more speakers the opportunity to present their views. When the time limit is up, the Chair formally closes public input on the item.

The item returns to the Board for discussion and action. The Chair recognizes each Board member (who wishes to speak) in turn. Board members may ask questions of the public to clarify an issue or comment, but audience members should comment ONLY IF called upon by a Board member.

Adopted in principle 9/23/93- Adopted 11/25/96