RESOLUTION NO. 573
AMENDING THE ALBANY COUNTY LEGISLATIVE RULES OF ORDER RELATED TO PUBLIC COMMENT PERIODS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
Introduced: 9/9/24
By Cunningham:
WHEREAS, Each month the Albany County Legislature invites the public to speak before its monthly meeting at a Public Forum, and it routinely invites the public to comment on specific legislation at Public Hearings, and
WHEREAS, Questions have arisen regarding the topics being addressed, order of speakers and/or scope of the specific speaking event, interactions between members and the public, and
WHEREAS, Amending the Legislative Rules of Order, which govern Legislative Public Hearings and Public Forum, can easily rectify the confusion that exists, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the following “Guidelines for Public Comment” shall be incorporated into the Legislative Rules of Order as Appendix B thereto and the Clerk of the Legislature shall display a copy of such Guidelines alongside the signup sheet for each public forum and/or public hearing:
Guidelines for Public Comment
1. The Public shall be allowed to speak only during the Public Forum period of the meeting or at such other time as the Chairperson shall allow.
2. Speakers shall provide their name, municipality of residence and whether they are speaking on behalf of themselves or another entity.
3. Speakers must only speak after being recognized by the Chairperson.
4. Speakers must limit their time to five (5) minutes, unless the Chairperson has, in their discretion, lowered the time for speaking.
5. Speakers may not yield any remaining time they may have to another speaker.
6. Legislators may, after being recognized by the Chairperson, ask for clarification.
7. Speakers shall observe the commonly accepted rules of respect, courtesy, decorum, dignity and good taste.
8. Speakers shall refrain from comment or behavior that involves:
a. Disorderly speech or action; name-calling or personal attacks; obscene or indecent remarks; and derogatory comments on personalities.
b. Advertising or promoting the sale of products, services, or private enterprise.
9. All remarks shall be addressed to the Legislature as a body and not any member thereof.
10. Comments, questions, jeering, or other interruptions from the audience are not allowed. Speakers shall likewise not address or respond to members of the audience.
11. During Public Comment (Citizen Recognition) periods, speakers may not use the audio-visual equipment located in the hearing room or otherwise make audio-visual presentations. Other visual aids, including, but not limited to, signs, banners, flags, and other props are not allowed.
12. The Chairperson has the authority to enforce the rules of decorum. Failure to obey these Rules may result in the forfeiture of the remaining speaking time. Individuals who engage in egregious or repeated violations may be asked to leave the meeting.
13. Speakers who have prepared written remarks or supporting documents are encouraged to leave a copy of such remarks and documents with the Clerk to the Board.
and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the Legislature shall forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Chairperson of the Legislature and the appropriate County Officials.
Referred to Rules Review and Legislative Modernization Committee - 9/9/24
Favorable Recommendation Rules Review and Legislative Modernization Committee - 9/25/24