Pompano Beach commission orders strict enforcement of no-approach-to-dais rule, asks BSO for safety memo

The Pompano Beach City Commission voted unanimously Sept. 9 to direct immediate, stricter enforcement of city code 30.07 to bar members of the public from approaching the dais during meetings and to require all materials for commissioners be routed through the city clerk.

The vote followed a week of public and commissioner complaints about people approaching the dais during meetings and a recent incident in which someone was served at or near the chambers. Commissioner Audrey Fessett moved the item and read an amended motion on the record that required: (1) no member of the public may approach the dais while a meeting is in session; (2) all documents for commissioners must be delivered to the clerk or an assigned deputy for distribution; (3) the BSO sergeant-at-arms is instructed to prevent approaches to the dais unless the chair expressly authorizes them; (4) BSO provide a short written safety memorandum for the commission to review at the next meeting; and (5) the city attorney return with any clarifying amendments or a resolution to memorialize the new procedures.

"I move that effective immediately, the commission direct strict enforcement of city code 30.07," Fessett said as she read the motion in full.

Vice Mayor Fournier seconded the motion and commissioners debated its scope. Several commissioners emphasized decorum and the need for consistent enforcement; some said the BSO recommendations should be developed with input from the city attorney and staff before a final policy is adopted. The motion carried unanimously on a roll call.

Public members who spoke during the hearing were split: some urged the commission to preserve residents— ability to share materials with commissioners, while others said the dais must be protected for safety and to preserve order. Several residents asked that any restriction be limited to the time the meeting is formally in session so informal interactions before or after meetings remain possible.

After the vote, the commission directed staff to place the BSO memorandum and any city-attorney draft language on the next meeting agenda and to return the procedures as a potential resolution or ordinance for final action.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the change was intended to protect public safety and restore decorum in a politically charged environment. The new rule will shift how members of the public may deliver materials and how deputies and BSO personnel respond to people who attempt to approach the dais during an active meeting.

Ending: The commission set a short timeline: BSO will deliver a written safety memorandum for the next meeting and the city attorney was asked to prepare proposed language that could be adopted as a resolution.