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Utilities Commission adopts public-comment rules, adds comment periods to agenda
Summary
The Danville Utilities Commission voted to add staff, commissioner and public comment periods to future agendas and approved a policy setting a 3-minute limit for individuals and 5 minutes for groups, plus an on-site sign-up requirement that closes when the meeting begins.
The Danville Utilities Commission voted Sept. 23 to add structured staff, commissioner and public-comment periods to its agenda and adopted rules limiting public remarks to three minutes per individual and five minutes for groups.
Miss Cherwin, who presented the draft policy on behalf of staff, said the recommendation was modeled on the City Council’s approach: “time limitations for individuals, limitation of 3 minutes for individuals, and 5 minutes for groups.” The packet noted a report from “Mr. Gray” accompanying the recommendation.
During discussion, commissioners proposed and adopted an amendment requiring speakers to sign up before the meeting and for the sign-up period to close when the meeting begins. An attorney referenced by staff also recommended a pre-meeting sign-up sheet. As amended, the policy also clarifies that the public-comment section is for providing information to the commission and is not a question-and-answer period.
The motion to add the comment periods to the agenda and to adopt the amended policy was seconded and approved by roll call votes recorded as 'Yes' by Ms. Katzmann, Ms. Paez, Ms. Williamson and Ms. Williamson Branch.
The commission’s action means future Utilities Commission agendas will include a designated time for public input under the new time limits and with the on-site sign-up requirement; staff noted the policy can be amended in the future if implementation proves problematic.
