Scranton planners adopt public participation policy change, remove ban on 'boisterous' conduct

The Scranton City Planning Commission voted to adopt its public participation policy with one edit: the commission removed item 8F, which prohibited "loud or boisterous conduct." The adopted policy continues to specify that "any resident or taxpayer may address the city planning commission during its designated public comment portion of the meeting," but the commission retained the discretion to open public comment to non-residents for a full meeting when it deems it appropriate.

The chair told the commission the "city's law department recommended that we keep it as is" regarding residency language but noted that the commission may choose on a meeting-by-meeting basis to allow broader participation. Commissioners discussed edge cases such as students and renters and whether the term "resident" requires definition; several members noted precedent at recent City Council meetings allowing students from the University of Scranton to speak.

After discussion the commission moved, seconded and approved the policy change removing the ban on boisterous conduct. Commissioners said the change does not prevent enforcement of other conduct rules (for example, threats or other disruptive behavior) and emphasized that any decision to open comments to non-residents must apply to the entire meeting rather than to single individuals.