City Commission

Rules of Order & Decorum Applicable to Speaking at Regular Open Meetings of the Valley City Commission

1. No longer than five minutes will be allowed for presentation of any agenda item to the Commission by an individual other than a City official or employee, unless additional time is given by the presiding officer or by a majority vote of the City Commission. The comments will be relevant to and focused upon the agenda item.
2. General public participation and comment apart from agenda items will be scheduled for all regular open meetings. A five minute time limit will also apply to such participation and comment. Those wishing to speak must place their name and the subject to be addressed on a sign in sheet prior to the meeting. The presiding officer will allow comment if the subject matter is considered relevant to current city business.

Authority:

Legal opinions of the North Dakota Attorney General

2007-0-11
2003-0-07
1999-0-07
1998-0-17
1998-F-11

affirm that the open meetings law is to give members of the public access to meetings, but not the right to participate in or speak at the public meeting. Further, the public body may adopt reasonable rules and policies to insure orderly conduct and behavior at its public meetings.

Adopted May 19, 2008