Dickinson supervisors adopt new agenda and public-comment policy after residents raise objections

The Dickinson Township Board of Supervisors on Oct. 21 adopted Resolution 2024‑09, amending the order of business for meetings, and approved a revised Agenda and Public Comment Policy after a lengthy public exchange.

At the meeting several residents said the proposed change — which gives residents a single public-comment opportunity at the start of the meeting and changes how written comments are recorded — would limit participation. "This change will stifle the resident's input," said Judy Brough during the public comment period. Elizabeth Grant urged retaining the prior practice that allowed comment when an agenda item was being discussed.

Vice Chair Robert Line said he shared residents' concerns that moving comment to the start could prevent people from responding after board discussion. Solicitor Matthew Boyer said the policy changes were designed to provide structure and to align meeting practice with relevant case law and the Sunshine Law; he also said written comments would be noted and handled by the board and staff.

Chairman Rob Kole told residents the new procedure is intended to streamline meetings while preserving the ability to open discussion on extraordinary items. "Give us a chance to see how it works and in 6–12 months from now it can be revisited," Kole said.

Supervisor Jen DeGaetano, who seconded the motion to adopt the policy, said the board remains open to engagement during meetings and that members would allow time when warranted. The board voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2024‑09 and to approve the Agenda and Public Comment Policy.

The board did not specify a timeline for posting meeting audio in the revised policy; officials said the policy change itself does not remove the ability to publish recordings and that staff will clarify procedural details as part of implementation.