Title
An Ordinance Amending Title 1, Chapter 5, Section 8 of The Orland Park Village Code Regarding Public Participation at Meetings of The Village Board and Any of Its Committees, Commissions and Advisory Boards
History
Per Subsection 2.06(g) of OMA, any person shall be permitted an opportunity to address public officials under the rules established and recorded by the public body. The enclosed ordinance is intended to assist with managing public comment during Committee of the Whole and at regular meetings of the Board of Trustees and amends the section of the Village Code setting forth the public comment rules. The changes to the rules for public participation in meetings introduce several modifications and additions as explained below:
1. Time Limit and Topics for Public Comment Periods: There are two (2) periods of time not to exceed thirty (30) minutes each, which are allocated to public comment at the regular meetings of the Board of Trustees, and two (2) periods of time not to exceed fifteen (15) minutes each, which are allocated to public comment at meetings of the Committee of the Whole. The first public comment period is limited to only comments on topics relevant to a particular agenda item for that meeting. Public comments at the second public comment period are to be on items relevant to Village business including information about Village events; issues that the public body has the authority to address; items listed on the agenda; and items or issues previously voted on by the public body or that the public body has the authority to consider or vote on in the future. Speakers at special meetings must limit their topics and comments to matters appearing on the special meeting agenda only.
2. Individual Time Limit for Speaking: Each individual's public comment is limited to three (3) minutes per person, per public comment period session, per meeting. However, the public officials may vote to extend the time for a particular speaker or topic.
3. Limitations on Remote Participation: The public comment period is specifically for individuals physically attending the COW and Board of Trustees meetings. Those not present in person can submit comments via other means such as mail or email.
4. Speaker Registration and Recognition: Speakers must sign in with the Village Clerk before the meeting begins and provide their name and topic(s). The Village President or meeting chair determines the order of speakers, and each person must state their name before commenting.
5. Submission of Written Comments: Speakers can provide pre-prepared copies of their comments to the public body before, during, or after their comment session.
6. Conduct During Public Comment: Only one person may speak at a time, and all speakers must address the COW and Board from the podium. Statements from the audience are not permitted.
7. Group Representation: Groups of three (3) or more individuals speaking on the same topic are asked to designate a single spokesperson.
8. Response from Public Officials: Members of the public body will not respond to comments unless directed by the Village President or Chair. The Village President or Chair may respond as appropriate and direct the speaker to the relevant Village official or staff member for assistance.
9. Prohibition of Repetitive Comments: Repetitive comments or arguments are not permitted.
10. Prohibition of Inappropriate Conduct: Abusive, foul, obscene, threatening, disorderly, or other inappropriate language or conduct, as well as personal attacks, are not permitted.
11. Authority to Terminate Public Comment: The Village President or Chair has the authority to terminate the public comment session of any person who fails to adhere to these rules. Disruptive individuals may be subject to removal from the meeting room.
12. Adherence to Village Policies: Individuals addressing the public body must adhere to Village policies and rules for the efficient and orderly conduct of the meeting.
These changes aim to provide a structured framework for public participation in board meetings, ensuring fairness, efficiency, and respectfulness in the exchange of ideas between the public and the board.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to recommend to the Village Board to adopt an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 1, CHAPTER 5, SECTION 8 OF THE ORLAND PARK VILLAGE CODE REGARDING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT MEETINGS OF THE VILLAGE BOARD AND ANY OF ITS COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS AND ADVISORY BOARDS.