The Town Council met to discuss Article 18 which passed on 3/12/2024 with a vote of 3,085 for and 1,077 against the article. Article 18 would add public comment to all public meetings in Town. Although the meeting was billed as a ‘discussion’ residents were restricted to only making statements and were permitted to speak only once, no follow-up questions were permitted.

Most resident present spoke in favor of the article. Several residents questioned why the council was discussing the article since the residents spoke when they voted others questioned a perceived resistance by some council members to move the issue forward.
Councilor Ron Dunn and Shawn Faber were in full support of the Town Council immediately adding a second public comment period at the end of their meetings. Council Farrell stated that would require a public hearing and three town council meetings to change the rules and procedure of the Town Council.
The Town Council has, in the past, changed it’s rules and there was now public hearing. Chairman Chad Franz was contacted asking for the specific document, RSA, or Town Charter section that requires a public hearing, Councilor Franz did not respond.
Chairman Franz was also asked if he would support adding a second public comment period at the end of council meetings. Chairman Franz did not respond.
Town Council Farrell and Franz stated that this is the first time that this article was able to be discussed. This is a very misleading statement. The Town Council held a public hearing on 1/12/2024 to review all warrant articles, the public was able to ask questions during the hearing. When Article 17 was addressed the council immediately moved the article to the warrant without asking for public comment, it was not until article 20 was addressed that Chairman Farrell asked if there was any public comment. These article were also discussed during the Deliberative Session.
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Video: Deliberative Session Article 18 Public Input at Meetings
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Town Council Rules for 2024 Met with Objection
Town Council Changes the Rules Again
Town Council Reminds Residents of Public Comment Rules from 2017?
Outdated: Town Council Rules of Order