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Residents press board to restore public comment at start of meetings
Summary
A prolonged debate over moving 'privilege of the floor' to the end of meetings prompted residents and several board members to push for a formal policy placing public comment at the beginning of regular meetings and establishing a 5‑minute limit.
The board’s proposal to move privilege of the floor to the end of meetings prompted an extended discussion and a motion from board members and residents to adopt a policy placing public comment at the start of regular town meetings.
Several residents and council members said moving public comment to the end makes it harder for petitioners to speak to agenda items before votes. "Public comment is more than a formality. It is an opportunity for residents to participate in their local government before the board deliberates and takes action," S9 told the board while urging adoption of a resolution establishing public comment at the beginning of meetings and clarifying procedure under New York Town Law section 63.
Board members said the supervisor has latitude under town law to set meeting conduct but agreed to consider drafting a formal public‑comment policy that would standardize a five‑minute limit per speaker and clarify whether petitioners addressing agenda items may speak prior to votes.
