Public comments receive structure in Henry County

MT. PLEASANT — After seeing an influx of public participation during Henry Count Board of Supervisor meetings over the last year, the board unanimously voted to adopt rules and guidelines for public comments moving forward.

More resident involvement and public comments over the last year were met with the consistent presence of Henry County Assistant Attorney Steven Giebelhausen, restructuring of the agenda to include a specific time for public comment, and as of October, a caveat in the public comment agenda item stating, “audience comments are typically open to anything the public wants to tell the board - Although there are rules about confidential information, avoiding disparaging an employee, etc.”

After months of board members responding to public comments with “thank you for your comment,” and minor changes, they have adopted official rules and guidelines for this agenda item.

According to the guidelines and rules read by Board Chair Greg Moeller at the Thursday, Nov. 7 meeting, public comments will generally take place at the end of the Board of Supervisor meeting with each speaker receiving three minutes. These timing and time limitation guidelines may be adjusted by the chairperson unless another member of the board objects and a majority vote overrules the chairperson’s decision.

Additionally, those wishing to speak at the meetings are asked to stand, if possible, and address the whole board with their comments, not an individual member.

“Be civil and courteous with your comments,” Moeller read. “Profanity will not be tolerated. Speakers may not use public comment to harass the board or other elected officials or engage in disturbing behavior. Public comment is not for asking questions of the board members or engaging in a dialog or debate. Conversations with board members should be arranged for outside of board meetings.”

During a Board of Supervisors meeting in October, Giebelhausen explained this concept when a member of the public asked a question that went unanswered.

“Public comment is not supposed to be a back and forth between the board and for lack of a better word, I guess they put it this way in the statutes, spectators,” Giebelhausen said. “We actually don't even have to allow public comment. We do because I happen to think we should and so does the board. So, this is a public comment. If your comment is a question, we'll take that as that's your comment, and we'll take that into consideration.”

The official rules also specifically state that disturbances will not be tolerated and could be cause for removal.

While Supervisor Chad White expressed concern about cutting people off with the three minute time limit, he did agree the call to be “civil and courteous,” and refraining from profanity was “just normal decorum,” and “common sense.”

Without objection, the board agreed to the adoption of public comment guidelines.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com