RESOLUTION 2002 – 51

 

ESTABLISHING RULES AND REGULATIONS IN ORDER TO CONDUCT PUBLIC MEETINGS IN AN ORDERLY MANNER AND TO PROVIDE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN SUCH MEETINGS

 

            WHEREAS, the Manheim Township Board of Commissioners hold public meetings to conduct the business of the Township, and

 

            WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners, pursuant to the "Sunshine Act," Act of July 3, 1986, P.L. 388, No. 84 65 P.S. 271 et seq., as amended, by providing a reasonable opportunity at each public meeting for residents and/or taxpayers of Manheim Township to comment on matters of concern, official actions or deliberation which are or may be before the Board.

 

            THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Manheim Township, in order to conduct all public meetings in an orderly manner and to provide for public participation in such meetings, that the following public meeting rules and regulations shall apply:

 

1.      There will be placed on the agenda for each public meeting a time for residents and/or taxpayers of the Township to comment on matters of concern, official actions or deliberation which are or may be before the Board of Commissioners.  Such time on the agenda shall be titled "Public Comment."  The following guidelines are established for this portion of the public meeting:

 

a.      Residents and/or taxpayers shall comment only after being recognized by the President conducting the meeting,

 

b.      Residents and/or taxpayers of the Township shall announce their names and addresses prior to addressing the Board of Commissioners,

 

c.      The President may rule out-or-order scandalous, impertinent, and redundant comments, or comments the discernible purpose or effect of which is to disrupt the proceedings of the meeting.  The President may have persons making such comments removed from the meeting, including forcible removal by the Police if necessary.

 

d.      The President may allocate available time among individuals wishing to comment.  The time may be a period of time such as 10-15 minutes for a group or 2-3 minutes for individuals.

 

2.      At the discretion of the President conducting the meeting, residents and/or taxpayers of the Township may comment on issues being discussed during the meeting other than during "Public Comment."

 

3.      In the event that there is insufficient time for public comment, the Board of Commissioners, at its discretion, may continue the public comment to its next regular meeting or to a special meeting occurring in advance of the next regular meeting.

 

RESOLVED, this 9th day of September, 2002.

 

                                                            COMMISSIONERS OF MANHEIM TOWNSHIP

 

                                                            By        Donald C. Smith, President