The Conservation Commission recently voted to add two sessions of public comment to their meetings. See LT: Conservation Increases Public Feedback at Meetings. Town Staff has informed the Conservation Commission that they cannot add public comment to their agenda without formally adopting meeting rules that address public comment. At the 6/25/2024 meeting the commission reviewed the rules that were put in place in 2019 and amended them to add public comment.
Why can other boards have public comment without formally adopting rules? Leach Library Trustees Add Second Public Comment Session, Without a Charter Amendment?
The Conservation Commission also noted that the Town Council has not formally adopted rules for their meeting.
The Councilors so chosen shall meet in their capacity as the Council within ten (10) calendar days following their election for the purpose of taking their respective oaths of office, adopting rules and for the transaction of business required by law or ordinance to be transacted in such meeting.
Town Charter Section 3.2 A
Will Town Staff inform the Council that they need to officially adopt rules as required by the Town Charter?
Former Town Council Chairman John Farrell has, in the past, repeatedly stated that he could change the rules without adopting new rules. Should the same be applied to the Conservation Commission?
The Town Charter states that boards are free to determine their own rules, there is no mention of town staff approval.
Each committee shall determine its own rules and order of business unless otherwise provided by the Charter or by law. The agenda and minutes shall be kept as required by State Law, as amended. A chair and secretary shall be elected annually in accord with the committee’s rules of procedure.
Town Charter Section 8.13 B Committee Organization
The Conservation Commission has submitted their amended rules to staff and now wait to see if they are approved.
Related Posts:
Town Council Discusses Article 18 Public Comment at All Meetings
Leach Library Trustees Add Second Public Comment Session, Without a Charter Amendment?
LT: Conservation Increases Public Feedback at Meetings.