pages: OpenGovernmentCommission/2018-03-05.pdf, 6
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
OpenGovernmentCommission | 2018-03-05 | 6 | Chair Dieter stated that she has spoken under both sections on two different topics. The matter was briefly discussed to clarify that a speaker could comment under each section, but not on the same topic. The City Clerk noted the non-agenda section could be moved after Council referrals to address the concern about not getting to referrals. Commissioners Foreman, Schwartz and Little expressed support for doing so. The City Clerk noted the order of business of the meetings would have to be amended via resolution. In response to Chair Dieter's inquiry, Vice Chair Little outlined the changes: 1) the last line under the Supplemental Rule 3 would be deleted, 2) language that specifies a speaker can only speak for a maximum of three minutes on one topic would be added, and 3) the second section of oral communications is considered a continuation of the first. The City Clerk inquired whether the Commission has an interest in limiting the speaker time limit in the instances when there are many speakers. Vice Chair Little responded the subcommittee discussed the issue. Chair Dieter stated the subcommittee decided to leave the matter at the discretion of the Chair; the Chair should be encouraged to make the judgement call; questioned whether the Commission thinks a recommendation is needed to lower the time limit to two minutes for items with over 20 speakers. Commissioner Foreman stated that he has seen Council vote to change the time limit. The City Attorney stated Council can modify any of the rules; noted trying to decide to make changes during the meeting takes time; a policy might make it simpler. Chair Dieter stated any member could make a motion to suspend the rules to lower the time limit; the Chair would be overruled if the super majority agrees. Commissioner Schwartz stated pre-establishing guidance would do the Chair a favor. Commissioner Henneberry stated when he was on the Planning Board, if there were multiple items with lots of speakers, the limit would be two minutes; there was not a hard and fast rule; if there was only one item with many speakers, three minutes was allowed. Meeting Open Government Commission March 5, 2018 6 | OpenGovernmentCommission/2018-03-05.pdf |