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Nolensville board debates removing routine commissioner responses to public comments
Summary
At a Dec. 16 work session the Nolensville Board of Commissioners discussed removing a standing agenda item that prompts commissioner responses to citizen comments, with the mayor saying the change would encourage keeping responses tied to specific agenda items; commissioners asked staff to prepare a resolution or follow-up.
The Nolensville Board of Commissioners on Dec. 16 debated removing a standing agenda item that allows commissioners to respond immediately to citizen comments.
Mayor (Speaker 6) said the current arrangement, added about two years ago, creates an expectation that every public comment will be addressed on the spot and can pull discussion away from the substantive agenda item. "I think it gives it's confusing because the public will come in and say things and they'll expect each agenda item to be addressed right then in that moment," the mayor said, urging that responses be tied to the relevant agenda item or handled under Robert’s Rules of Order when appropriate.
Commissioner (Speaker 8) said she supported removing the response item and keeping replies with the agenda item, noting that ad hoc commissioner remarks after a citizen comment can take attention away from the scheduled discussion. Other commissioners signaled agreement. Staff (Speaker 2) said rules can be suspended if the board wants to address comments outside their agenda placement, and suggested the change could be memorialized in the order of business.
No formal vote was taken at the work session. The mayor asked commissioners to send preferences to Town staff so that a proposed amendment or resolution could be prepared for a future meeting.
The discussion was procedural and did not alter current permitting, land-use, or statutory requirements governing public comment rights.
