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Board adopts updated public comment policy allowing three‑minute in‑person remarks
Summary
The board voted to adopt policy BDDH, which sets a three‑minute limit for in‑person public comments, allows board chair discretion to waive time limits and directs staff to publish procedures for sign‑up and timing.
The board adopted an updated public comment policy (BDD H) that standardizes in‑person procedures for public comment, sets timing and allows limited chair discretion.
The policy sets a default three‑minute time limit for individual public speakers and permits the board chair to extend the total public‑comment period or to waive time limits for particular circumstances. Administrative procedures — to be published by staff as an operating handout — will include sign‑up requirements before the meeting and a visible timer for speakers. The policy also notes that the board chair will preserve decorum during public comment and that the board will not engage in extended back‑and‑forth during the comment period, although brief clarifying questions may be allowed.
Board discussion emphasized the desire for predictable, equitable treatment of speakers; several trustees said the chair should have limited discretion to extend time in exceptional circumstances but that the board will generally seek to keep the meeting moving. Trustees asked administration to develop an accompanying procedural handout that will describe how sign‑ups, timers and a process for limited post‑comment clarification will work in practice.
The motion to adopt the policy carried by voice vote (all in favor; no roll‑call tally recorded).
