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Committee defers proposal to define "presentations" after members raise free-speech, partner concerns
Summary
The committee debated adding a definition of "presentations" that would limit presentations to county partners and prohibit "personal, religious, philosophical or ideological advocacy." Several commissioners warned that language could restrict faith-based partners; Director Moyers said the chair would initially determine scope and rulings could be appealed. The committee deferred the item for further drafting.
The Knox County Commission Rules Committee on March 16 took up a draft amendment to rule five that would define "presentations" on legislative agendas and set limits on their content and purpose, but after extended discussion members deferred the item for further revision.
Commissioner Durret, sponsor of the draft, said the proposed language would put longstanding practice on paper and clarify that presentations are informal items typically given by county departments or organizations the county does business with. "Presentations on they're informal items...typically it has been tradition that it's been any organization that the county does business with or county departments," Commissioner Durret said, adding that presentations would not be for a vote and that the chair may enforce time limits.
Several members raised concerns about one clause that would bar presentations "for personal, religious, philosophical or ideological advocacy." Commissioner Thompson said she feared the language could prevent faith-based community partners from presenting about programs the county funds. "I just don't want to limit them in any way," Thompson said. Commissioner Hill likewise argued that removing the clause and relying on the chair to classify items as "presentation" or "discussion" would preserve openness while allowing the chair to enforce scope.
Commissioner RS and others said that, without a definition, the county risks inconsistent practice in future meetings; supporters of a definition said the change is needed to avoid the variable outcomes that occurred after recent controversial presentations. Commissioner Fox said his presentation was background related to county-funded programs and that he would have moved it to a discussion item if asked.
Director Moyers explained how enforcement would work: the chair would make an initial determination about whether an item is a presentation and could be appealed to the commission if members disagreed. After the discussion the sponsor agreed to take the comments back and redraft; Commissioner Durret moved to defer the item to the next rules committee meeting and Commissioner Thompson seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.
The committee scheduled its next meeting for Monday, April 20 at 2:00 p.m. and adjourned.
