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Jackson Select Board adopts revised rules of procedure tightening public-comment language
Summary
The Select Board approved updated rules of procedure clarifying how public comment is recognized and limiting comments to about two minutes per speaker and 15 minutes total unless the board overrules that limit.
The Town of Jackson Select Board voted Sept. 22, 2025, to adopt revised Select Board Rules of Procedure that clarify the chair's duties and the town's public-comment process. The updated rules remove ambiguous language about when the public may "ask questions or make a comment," require speakers to wait to be recognized by the chair, and restate limits: approximately two minutes per speaker and a 15-minute total public-comment period unless the board votes otherwise.
Barbara Campbell, chair, introduced the change explaining the board had removed wording that previously read "ask questions or comment" to focus public comment on items of town business and to improve recordkeeping. The rules also reaffirm the chair's role in maintaining order, the use of Roberts Rules of Order as guidance, and the requirement that speakers identify themselves for the record during public hearings.
The board approved the rules by motion from Campbell, seconded by Frank DiFruscio. The Addendum A text distributed with the meeting packet provides the full rules, including meeting locations, agenda format, public-hearing procedures, and the effective-date language stating the rules take effect immediately following a majority vote.
