BDDH - Public Comment at Board Meetings

All board meetings, with the exception of executive sessions, will be open to the public. The board invites the district’s community members to attend board meetings to become acquainted with the program and operation of the district. Members of the public also may be invited to share comments with the board during designated times on the agenda.

It is the intent of the board to ensure communications with individuals with disabilities are as effective as communications with others. Individuals with hearing, vision or speech impairments will be given an equal opportunity to participate in board meetings and submit comments to the board. Primary consideration will be given to requests of qualified individuals with disabilities in selecting appropriate auxiliary[1] aids and services. Auxiliary aids and services for persons with disabilities will be available at no charge to the individual. All auxiliary aid and/or service requests must be made with appropriate advance notice. Should the board demonstrate such requests would result in a fundamental alteration in the service, program or activity or an undue financial and administrative burden, an alternative, equally effective means of communication will be used.

Procedures for Public Comment at Meetings
The board will establish procedures for public comment in open meetings. The purpose of these procedures will be to inform the public how to effectively participate in board meetings for the best interests of the individual, the district and the patrons. The information will be easily accessible and available to all patrons attending a public board meeting.

1. Public comment is limited to its designated place on the agenda and while time allows, as determined by the board chair. The board may conduct a meeting without public comment.
2. When the board provides an opportunity for in-person attendees to provide oral or written public comment, a similar opportunity will be provided for virtual attendees.
3. Anyone wishing to speak before the board may request to do so by providing the board secretary with a completed request card or other established method for requests to speak, prior to the board meeting.
4. The board chair will determine the method for the selection and order of the speakers.
5. A person giving public comment will be limited to a time limit established by the board chair. Time cannot be shared or given to another person. Statements should be brief and concise.
6. A person speaking during the public comment portion of a meeting may comment on a topic not on the published agenda.
7. A person speaking to the board during the public comment portion of a meeting should provide their name and whether they are a resident of the district, and, if speaking for an organization, the name and identity of the organization. The board prefers that a group designate a spokesperson to represent those with a common purpose.
8. If a person has more comments than time allows or is unable to comment due to time constraints, they may submit their additional comments to the board in writing through the district office as directed.
9. The board will not answer questions submitted during public comment at the board meeting. A board member or district representative may follow up after the meeting.

Criticisms of Staff Members
Speakers may offer objective criticism of district operations and programs, but the board will not hear complaints concerning individual district personnel. The board chair will direct the visitor to the appropriate means for consideration and disposition of legitimate complaints involving a staff member.

END OF POLICY

ORS 165.540
ORS 192.610 to -192.690
ORS 332.057
ORS 332.107

^[1]Auxiliary aids may include, but are not limited to, such services and devices as qualified interpreters, assistive listening systems, note takers, readers, taped texts, Braille materials and large print.