GLYNN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Public Comment Period Policy

Adopted by the Glynn County Board of Commissioners

Originally Adopted: April 2, 2009; Revised January 6, 2011; Revised April 5, 2012

 

Section I.  Public Comment Period Overview.

 

The Glynn County Board of Commissioners (hereinafter referred to as the “Board”) welcomes citizen comments on issues and matters of Glynn County business and matters over which the Board has jurisdiction and control.  The objective and intent of the Public Comment Period is to provide citizens with an opportunity to speak and be heard on these matters in a polite and efficient manner in accordance with the guidelines set forth herein.  In addition to the Public Comment Period and prior to bringing matters before the Board which otherwise could be handled administratively, citizens are also encouraged to express any concerns, comments, or questions regarding County business directly to individual County Commissioners and/or the County staff responsible for addressing same.  

 

Section II.  Location and Time.

 

A Public Comment Period will be held on the first and third Thursday of each month in accordance with the guidelines set forth herein and during the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board.  It will be held in the Commissioners’ meeting room located on the second floor of the Glynn County Historic Courthouse, 701 “G” Street, Brunswick, Georgia. 

 

Section III.  Number of Speakers and Sign Up.

 

Because time is a limited resource and in an effort to conduct public comments in the most efficient and effective manner possible, a total of three (3) citizens will be permitted to speak at each Public Comment Period with a maximum of five (5) minutes allotted to each speaker.  Speakers shall sign up for the next Public Comment Period on a first-come-first-serve basis by completing a form provided by the County, with sign-up to begin at 8:00 a.m. on the Monday immediately preceding a regularly scheduled meeting and concluding at 12:00 p.m. on the Wednesday of that same week.  When signing up, the individual must state his or her name, address, and subject matter on which he or she wishes to speak and may not sign up or attempt to reserve a spot in advance to speak at any meeting other than at the Public Comment Period during the very next regularly scheduled Board meeting.  In order to allow and permit others to address the Board, individuals may only speak once per meeting and only four times in any given year.  Failure to follow the procedures outlined herein may result in an individual not being eligible to address the Board as outlined in this Policy.   

 

Section IV.  Glynn County Business.

 

Public Comment is reserved for Glynn County business only and for those citizens wishing to speak and be heard on matters under the jurisdiction and control of the Board.  The Board will not hear from individuals, and individuals will not be permitted to speak, on matters or issues which are not related to official County business, matters or issues not under the jurisdiction or control of the Board, matters or issues published on an agenda as a public hearing agenda item, or on matters or issues which are traditionally reserved for executive session, such as personnel matters and matters which are the subject of or pertain to pending or current litigation.   

 

Section V.  Conduct and Decorum.

 

Members of the public shall not make inappropriate, insulting, or offensive comments while speaking.  Personal attacks or remarks about individuals, including Commissioners and staff, are not permitted.  Speakers, after being recognized by the Chairperson (or presiding Commissioner) and asked to address the Board, will approach the podium and state their full name, address, and telephone number for the record.  All remarks shall be made to the Board and addressed through the Chairperson or presiding Commissioner.  Remarks shall not be made to a particular Commissioner.  Because the purpose of the Public Comment Period is to provide citizens with an opportunity to speak and be heard, the Board will not respond to questions or take any action, and no person shall be permitted to enter into any discussion with the Board.  Any speaker who violates any part of this Policy or is disruptive will be asked to stop such behavior and/or may be removed at the discretion of the Chairperson or the Commissioner presiding over the Public Comment Period.  

 

Section VI.  Changes or Amendments.

 

Any change or amendment to the text of this Policy shall require the affirmative vote of at least four members of the Board.