Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Meeting Rules Public Comment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Trustees table ordinance requiring written submissions for trustee reports after free-speech concerns
Summary
The board debated a proposed ordinance that would require trustees to submit trustee-report remarks in writing before meetings; trustees expressed First Amendment worries and voted to table the measure for redrafting and return on Oct. 23, 2024.
Trustees debated a proposed ordinance that would require trustees to submit remarks intended for the trustees' report section in writing by the Friday before a meeting.
Trustee Mason called the measure a potential First Amendment violation and said requiring written remarks would impede spontaneous trustee reports. "If this was to be passed I would write my stuff in Latin," Mason said during debate, arguing the rule would stifle the ability to respond to time-sensitive matters. Trustee Peterson said the draft aims to prevent "gotcha" moments and to protect staff and the board from surprises, but agreed language could be revised.
Trustees discussed practical concerns, including packet updates arriving close to meetings and whether the mayor should be treated differently from trustees. The board agreed revisions were needed to clarify what counts as a trustee report and what submissions should be required. A motion to table the ordinance for revisions and return at the Oct. 23, 2024 meeting passed by roll call.
No ordinance was adopted; trustees asked staff and the village attorney to revise the draft and return it for further consideration.
