The Town Council’s apparent new unwritten policy appears to be not answering any questions during Public Comment. After CLOSING Public Comment the Chair and other Councilors address comments made by residents. While the Chairman frequently interrupts residents during public comment Councilors are allowed to speak without interruption Councilors are allowed to speak as long as they wish . Residents are required to address all comments to the chair, but Councilors are allowed to direct comments toward residents, calling them out by name. The resident are not allowed to respond, and if they attempt to are gaveled down by the Chair calling them out of order.
In the last Town Council meeting a ‘Point of Order’ was called the Chair responded ‘Point of Order Denied!’
Point of Order: a question or statement about the way things should be done at a meeting, debate, etc