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City attorney: 'Open meetings law is a ticket to watch the show, but it's not a ticket to get to participate'
Summary
Verlegas explained that Idaho law guarantees the public a right to observe meetings but does not always require boards to allow public participation; he noted certain hearings require testimony and that Eagle limits public comment to three minutes.
Victor Verlegas told attendees that Idaho's open‑meetings framework guarantees public observation but not unconditional participation. "Open meetings law is a ticket to watch the show, but it's not a ticket to get to participate in the show necessarily," he said, and noted that when law requires a public hearing (for example certain planning matters) members of the public must be allowed to testify.
The city of Eagle uses a three‑minute time limit for public comment to balance docket needs and opportunity to be heard, Verlegas said, and he described tactics chairs use to manage speakers (timers with green/yellow/red lights). He also reminded boards not to take action on unagendized public comments and pointed to a civility ordinance governing decorum.
