Posts Tagged ‘public comment’
Citizen attacks fellow citizen, swears – what can be done?
Dear Dinosaur: During public comment at a virtual meeting, one citizen was making blasphemous comments about another citizen in attendance, was escalating in emotion, and calling him names and added…
Read MoreAre your meetings seven hours long?
This strange time of COVID-19 is producing some strange situations. We hear reports of local government meetings lasting far into the night, in some cases taking as long as…
Read MoreWhen First Amendment Rights and Public Meetings Clash
MRSC has graciously given permission for us to republish this helpful article. MRSC is a private nonprofit organization, formerly known as “Municipal Resources and Service Center,” serving local governments in…
Read MoreControl disorder in your chambers
Local governments face a tough climate these days. Customs of courtesy have faded and people are often both passionate and rude about their issues. If you are a mayor or…
Read MoreDanger Will Robinson! Public comment ahead!
This post offers our readers a brilliant paper by municipal attorney Brett Vinson on the dangers of public comment.
Read MoreRoundtable Community Workshops
Guest post by Bob Jean, ICMA/WMCA Senior Advisor Got a really hot issue and a divided community? Too often, if you hold a traditional public hearing to deal with it,…
Read MoreTime limits create productive meetings
The mayor of Alexandria, Virginia began council meetings by responding to each person giving public comment, sometimes delaying the start of regular business three hours or more.
Read MoreDon’t get chummy
City councilmembers and nonprofit board leaders should not get chummy—too familiar—with their constituents or regular members. Here’s why.
Read MoreYou can’t shut down a meeting whenever you want
“Can City Council President Ben Stuckart really shut down a meeting whenever he wants?” runs the catchy headline. The answer, of course, is NO!
Read MoreGuidelines for Public Comment in Local Government
The public comment period is an essential part of local government meetings. These are our guidelines for public comment periods in local government.
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