Agenda 10-03-19 Item 1 - Discussion on Public Comments at BOCC Meetings

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Attachment A 3 Excerpt from BOCC Draft Meeting Minutes from 9/10/2019 Commissioner McKee said there are 20-25 members of the public in attendance tonight, and last Tuesday he asked to set some time aside, at the end of this work session, to allow for public comment, despite public comment not typically being allowed at a work session. He said he made a motion to this effect, which failed. Commissioner McKee respectfully asked if the Board would set aside the policy, and allow the public to speak at this work session. He said there may be some excellent ideas contained in the public comments. Commissioner Marcoplos said the Board should not make rules on the fly, and he does not support this. He said the Board will conclude this issue at some point, and the public will have ample time to speak on something specific. Commissioner Greene agreed with Commissioner Marcoplos, as long as there is ample opportunity for the public to speak on any proposals prior to the Board taking any votes. She said she recommends have two public hearings. Commissioner Marcoplos said there should be a wider discussion on public comment, and the Board should not change the rules in mid-stream. Commissioner Dorosin said he would not support having public comment at this time, as people emailed about this meeting and were told there would not be public comment. Commissioner Greene said she disagrees with Commissioner Marcoplos, and sometimes there are topics that warrant greater public discourse than others. She said the Board is made up of sensible people, and can be responsive to the community. Commissioner Price agreed with Commissioner Greene, and said the Board can change when it needs to change. She said she is open to speaking with the public individually, and welcomes emails. Chair Rich said it sounds like the topic of public comment should be a topic for an upcoming work session. Chair Rich said she does not think the lack of public comment at a work session is equal to the Board silencing the public. She said it is just a policy, which can be reviewed and changed, if necessary.