The Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners tabled a vote on Wednesday that would have changed the way the public comments during Commissioner's Meetings.
During a typical Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners meeting and like any other public meeting, the public is allowed to comment twice.
First, at the start of the meeting to make comments on the agenda items being discussed or voted on during the meeting, and second, near the end of the meeting where anyone attending in person or virtually can speak pretty much about anything.
On Tuesday, prior to the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 14th, 2020, an agenda item listed under the "Solicitor's Office" section that listed as follows:
"A request to adopt and approved the attached policy regarding the manner by which comments from the public may be made at the workshop sessions and regular board meetings of the Board of County Commissioners".
The policy itself had not changed for public comments for those in person, but it was the addition of virtual attendees that resulted in a public outcry.
While most of the items were similar to those attending in person, it was the addition of public comments being submitted to a clerk and approved a day prior that caused controversy.
Under the proposed policy, if a comment that was submitted was deemed "malicious, slanderous, libelous, defamatory, inappropriate, irrelevant or redundant", that comment would be excluded.
Those attending virtually must also disclose that they are not recording audio or video of the meeting unless they are approved by the chair.
Schuylkill County Clerk of Courts Maria Casey strongly opposed the policy changes.
"You cannot block people's right of free speech", Casey said during the meeting.
Commissioner Gary Hess reportedly opposed the change.
When the item came up to be voted on during Wednesday's Board of Commissioner's meeting, Commissioner Baron Hetherington motioned the vote, which Commissioner George Halcovage seconded, but then motioned to table the item until next week's workshop.
The item will now discussed during next week's Commissioner's Workshop which will take place on Wednesday, October 21sth, 2020 at 10:00am.
Information on attending the meeting virtually will be posted the day prior.
The Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners tabled a vote on Wednesday that would have changed the way the public comments during Commissioner's Meetings.