A Discussion Regarding Public Decorum At Meetings In Madison

Selectman Joan Walker asked that this agenda item be included on a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, a "discussion regarding public decorum at meetings." 

Listen to the video to hear her concerns and some proposed solutions discussed by the board.

The discussion revealed that most of the bad behavior is seen during meetings of the land use boards, including the Planning & Zoning Commission. That tends to be the "most contentious," said Selectman Joe MacDougald, because it deals with neighbors, people, and can have a direct impact on property values. 

Walker pointed out that people serving on boards and commissions in town are volunteers. She said she would like to make sure they have the information and tools they need to manage people in town who might  not treat them with respect. She said some meetings feel more like a second grade classroom than a roomful of adults. 

The acrid nature of some of the debates, along with the lack of respect offered to town employees as well, were cited by the selectmen as areas of concern. 

Several options were discussed, including moving people out of meetings, and limiting people to three minutes and coming back to them later if they have more to say.  

MacDougald pointed out that the Connecticut General Statutes do provide for some measure of control, and said he would work with the boards to come up with some specific measures that they can implement if needed.

Sec. 1-232. (Formerly Sec. 1-21h). Conduct of meetings. "In the event that any meeting of a public agency is interrupted by any person or group of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of such meeting unfeasible and order cannot be restored by the removal of individuals who are wilfully interrupting the meetings, the members of the agency conducting the meeting may order the meeting room cleared and continue in session. Only matters appearing on the agenda may be considered in such a session. Duly accredited representatives of the press or other news media, except those participating in the disturbance, shall be allowed to attend any session held pursuant to this section. Nothing in this section shall prohibit such public agency from establishing a procedure for readmitting an individual or individuals not responsible for wilfully disturbing the meeting."

And here are some online resources on the subject: 

• Fundamental Fairness and Orderly Meetings
  
• “Public Meetings Gone Wild: Keep YourGoverning Body from Ending Up in CourtOr on You Tube”
  
• Controlling Disruptive Speakers At Public Meetings