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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: October 3, 2019 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 1 <br /> SUBJECT: Discussion on Public Comments at BOCC Meetings <br /> DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> A. Excerpt from Draft September 10, Donna Baker, 919-245-2130 <br /> 2019 BOCC Minutes John Roberts, 919-245-2318 <br /> B. Excerpt from Draft September 17, <br /> 2019 BOCC Minutes <br /> C. BOCC Rules of Procedure <br /> PURPOSE: To discuss any potential changes to the Board's current framework regarding <br /> public comments at BOCC meetings. <br /> BACKGROUND: At the September 10, 2019 work session, the Board had a brief discussion <br /> related to public comments occurring at work sessions. An excerpt from the draft September <br /> 10t" minutes is attached for reference as Attachment A. <br /> At the September 17, 2019 Regular Board Meeting, a request was made by a member of the <br /> public that the Board consider providing the opportunity for public comments at all BOCC <br /> meetings. An excerpt from the draft September 17t" minutes is attached for reference as <br /> Attachment B. <br /> North Carolina General Statute 153A-52.1 establishes a baseline for public comment at BOCC <br /> meetings. The statute requires the BOCC to "provide at least one period for public comment per <br /> month at a regular meeting of the board." Orange County far exceeds this baseline and also <br /> exceeds what is provided by many other counties. <br /> The current Rules of Procedures for the Board of County Commissioners, Rule 9, "Public <br /> Comment for Items not on the Printed Agenda", provides the opportunity for public comment on <br /> any topic at the beginning of all Regular Meetings under Item #2. Speakers are required to sign <br /> up to speak, and are allowed three minutes each after being recognized by the Chair of the <br /> Board of Commissioners. <br /> The Rules of Procedure also include a comment stating: <br /> "The board may decide as a matter of general policy to set aside part of each meeting for <br /> individuals or groups to address the board. The rule allows any individual or group to get <br /> on the agenda, but lets the board decide whether there is time to hear its comments." <br /> The Board's Rules of Procedure document is attached for reference as Attachment C. <br />