Board reviews new model rules on agendas, materials and public comment options

A staff member told the board that the proposed updates to bylaw 9322 (agenda and meeting materials) give districts two options for public comment: a single general public-comment period for all open-session items or separate public-comment opportunities for each open-session agenda item. "The agenda for a regular board meeting shall provide members of the public with an opportunity to address the board regarding matters within the subject matter jurisdiction of the board which are not on the agenda," the staff member said when explaining the model language.

The staff member also described requirements for making writings and staff reports available for public inspection: materials related to a regular meeting should be available at the designated location at least 72 hours before the meeting, and writings distributed to a majority of the board less than 72 hours before a meeting must be posted to the district website or made available for inspection at a physical location when feasible. The changes include instructions on when an item need not include a public-comment opportunity (for items previously considered by a committee that met with public comment and where the item has not been substantially changed). No formal vote or decision was recorded in the transcript segments provided.